Soul Slide
Sideways slide with crossed legs – demands precise weight distribution and edge control for sustained friction management. Critical for advanced combo transitions.
Classification & Prerequisites
Non-Negotiable Prerequisites
1. Acid Slide (C) Mastery:
- 5 rotations with <15cm deviation
- Recovery to Volt within 0.6s
2. Hip Mobility Certification:
- Seated rotation test: 45° internal rotation bilaterally
- Thomas test: Hip extension deficit <5°
Technical Execution
1. Entry & Setup
- Approach: 10-12 km/h with 15° body lean
- Stance: Lead leg crossed over trail leg, 80% weight on trail foot
- Edge Initiation: Trail foot inside edge → controlled break traction
2. Slide Sustainment
- Pressure Distribution:
- Trail foot: Constant 70% pressure on wheels 2-3
- Lead foot: Feather touch (30% pressure)
- Core Mechanics: Transverse abdominis tension → maintains the slide plane
3. Exit & Transition
- Decoupling: Uncross legs → weight shift to lead foot
- Recovery: Instant Snake Push or Eagle stance
Gear Optimization
Physics & Safety
Mastery Metrics
Coaching Progressions
1. Static Cross-Leg Holds: Wall-supported for posture development
2. Low-Speed Slides: 6-8 km/h, focus on pressure distribution
3. Exit Chains: Soul Slide → Volt → Nelson sequence drilling
Competition Utility (WSSF)
Pro Tip
Maintain tension between shoulder blades - this stabilizes the thoracic spine and reduces lateral lean drift by 40%. Elite skaters modulate trail foot pressure at 50Hz for micrometer adjustments.
Safety Protocol
- Mandatory Gear: Ankle braces with lateral support
- Surface Restrictions: Avoid μ<0.75 until 10+ successful reps
- Biomechanical Screening: Knee-hip alignment asymmetry <4°