Skate skills:

SKATE TIP OF THE WEEK
Inline secrets from the world's top skaters and coaches

This week's tip:
Assume the Position
By Jorge Botero
(July 7, 2006)

When I skate, I like to think of myself as a Formula 1 race car. Like a race car, I need power for acceleration, agility for cornering and an aerodynamic profile to cut down on wind drag.

The key to all of these things is technique. The better my technique, the faster I'll go, which is why I focus on technique in my training.

The first step to improving technique is to assume an aerodynamic position for skating. The things to remember are:

1.) Keep your shoulders parallel to the ground.

2.) Make sure your head stays straight in line with your shoulders without much tilting.

3.) Try to keep your knees bent at a 90-degree angle.

4.) Keep your back straight.

Also, while you're skating, feel yourself falling a little bit forward when you are rolling. This will give you added momentum and help you to go faster.

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Jorge Botero is one of the top skaters in the World Inline Cup and, as such, a celebrity in his native Colombia, where inline speed skating enjoys widespread popularity. The 30-year-old Colombian finished 3rd in last year's individual World Cup rankings. This year, he is ranked 9th at the mid-point of the season. He is a member of the Rollerblade World team.

- Go to Jorge's web site.

- Go to last week's skate tip.

Related reading
- Beginners Guide to Inline Skating.
- Beginners Guide to Outdoor Racing.