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How to choose sliding skates for your child. How to choose skates? Advice from professionals

What types of skates exist and how to choose the right size? What brands and prices should you focus on? How to care for skates? In this article we will give tips that will definitely be useful to you.

A beautiful and exciting sport. That is why our children, having seen the performances of figure skaters on TV, dream of learning to skate just like the highest class athletes do. And this dream is come true! Young figure skaters are accepted into commercial sports schools from the age of 3-4. At the amateur level, a child can learn to ride at any age he wishes. In almost every city you can find an ice skating rink. Therefore, it is very important to choose the right skates so that your child can stand comfortably on the ice.

Types of skates

There are different types of skates, namely:

Skates for children. Designed for beginners. Their main feature is that skates have two blades that are parallel to each other. This makes it almost impossible to ride quickly and fall into them.
Sliding skates. They will be comfortable for those who have already mastered roller skating in the summer. The main function is to expand the boot, which increases by 1-2 sizes. Therefore, such skates can be used to grow a child’s legs. With the help of special fastenings you can secure your leg well and avoid injury.
Children's ice hockey skates. Unlike other skates, these skates do not have serrations on the blade.
Skates for amateur sports. They are only for those who just come to ride and have fun. These skates can be rented at any skating rink.
Figure skates. These skates are intended for young pros or established professionals. Depending on your level of riding, a sports store will always help you choose the size. The blades of these skates are about 3 centimeters longer than the shoe itself.

How to choose by size

When buying skates for a child, there are many features to consider.

It is better to buy figure skating skates in the same size as regular shoes or 1 size larger. If you buy 2 sizes larger, the child will often fall on the ice, which can lead to injury.
The boot should fit the foot snugly, but not be too tight, so that the child is comfortable.
It is very important to know that when buying skates you need to try them on in a warm room - the boot must be warm, because if the boot is cold, it is very difficult to determine how comfortable the child is in this boot.
When trying on skates, you should pay attention to the height of the boot. It shouldn't be too high or too low. How to determine this? When lacing, the sides of the skates (where the lacing holes are located) should lie parallel to each other. If the sides of the skate are too tight, this indicates that the boot is wide.

An important aspect is correct lacing. There are rules and nuances here. It is important to choose the right laces, preferably made of nylon, as they stretch better and result in a tight fit around the skates, and therefore the feet. Laces provide the most secure fit.

You need to start lacing from the bottom. After putting the boot on your foot, you should first adjust the tongue, then tighten the bottom two lacing holes not very much so that the forefoot does not tighten and blood circulation is not impaired.
Next, you need to tighten the instep zone tightly enough so that the leg is well fixed and tie a knot.
Then we go up, put the lace on top of the hook and lower it down around the hook, then bring it up again to the next one. The lacing should go from the outside to the inside, over the tongue.

Popular brands and prices

To start classes, you can buy plastic skates; they are the most stable on ice, and when the child gets used to it and feels more confident on the rink, you can buy skates made of genuine leather. The main advantage of figure skates made of genuine leather is the ability to mold to the shape of your foot, providing complete control over the skates. The skate must have a fairly rigid shaft so that there are no creases, otherwise you can twist your leg and get an ankle injury or simply fall. It is better to give preference to well-known companies that produce equipment at a professional level:

Count. This is a Swiss company. They produce curly ones and of excellent quality. Prices for children's skates start at 4,000 rubles.
Jackson. Today, this company is merged with Ultima and is part of the famous Canadian corporation Bauer. They produce top-class figure skates. Prices for children's skates start from 8,000 rubles.
Wifa. Austrian popular brand. All products are manufactured in Vienna and handcrafted. The cost starts from 9,000 rubles.
Edea. Italian brand. There is an opinion that these skates are best suited for narrow feet. But that's not true. There are different models, and if you choose this brand, you can easily choose the right skates for your child. The cost of skates starts from 9,000 rubles.
SK (sports collection). This is the largest company in Russia for the production of all sports equipment. The cost of children's skates starts from 2000–3000 rubles.

Also in every city there are shops selling used sports equipment. In these stores you can find used skates that are in very good condition. When your child's foot grows, you can return them to the same store and buy others that fit in size. In this case, you can save a lot. Prices for leather skates start from 5,000 rubles and above. Prices for plastic skates are much lower: from 500 rubles. You can also look at private advertisements for sale. Their prices are approximately the same.

Skids

The figure skate consists of two parts: a figure boot and a blade with teeth on the leading edge, thanks to which you can perform various complex elements.

The runners are removable and non-removable. Expensive models usually have removable skids because the blades wear out much faster than the boots. The blades are periodically sharpened with a radius of 11 to 15 mm. It is recommended to sharpen blades in specialized workshops so as not to damage the blade. The quality of sharpening using professional equipment will be perfect, and the master will make the grooves of the same depth.

How to properly care?

Caring for skates is quite simple. You need to wear special plastic covers for blades for movement from the locker room to the ice rink, and soft covers made of fabric or fur for storage after training. After each lesson, you need to wipe the boots and blade with a soft, dry cloth to prevent rust from appearing on the blade. Skates should be stored in special cases. Do not dry skates close to a heat source. And, as mentioned above, do not forget to sharpen them periodically.

If your child skates on an outdoor skating rink, then winter clothing will provide him with a sufficient degree of protection. It is very important that it does not hinder movement. We do not advise you to put any protection on your child in the form of elbow pads and knee pads, because... the child may feel uncomfortable and lose interest in skating.

A helmet may also be uncomfortable, but if you are very worried, you can buy it for your own peace of mind. The likelihood of any serious injury occurring on the skating rink is very unlikely. At most, the child will get away with bruises or bruises.

For beginners, pros purchase special suits made of elastic fabrics, and under the suit - thermal underwear for figure skating. Knowing the size of your child, you can easily select any set.

Let's sum it up

Figure skating classes contribute to the development in children of a sense of responsibility and purposefulness, strengthening the immune system, since the ice skating rink maintains a minus temperature regime and the child’s body, getting used to such conditions, becomes more resistant to various types of colds. Posture is corrected, gracefulness in movements appears, a sense of rhythm and tact is developed thanks to the music that accompanies training. However, before sending your child to engage in this sport, you should consult with your pediatrician, as there are medical contraindications, such as disorders of the cardiovascular system, brittle bones and some other diseases.

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Ice skating is a winter family activity that brings health benefits and positive emotions. Children's clothes for girls and boys are of particular interest to modern parents, because they will fit the child for several seasons. To avoid health problems for your baby, you need to follow several rules when choosing skates.

Children grow quickly, so their clothes have to be changed at double the speed. sliding - models that increase by 3-4 sizes; they will last several seasons. This sports equipment, instead of laces, has convenient plastic clip-fasteners, so it is easier for a little athlete to put on his shoes on his own.

Most doctors believe that a child can be born at 5-6 years old, when the child’s skeleton is stronger and able to withstand the upcoming loads. Before your first workout, consult your pediatrician and orthopedist; ice sports are contraindicated for people with disorders of the musculoskeletal system, circulatory system, kidney disease and genitourinary system.

Often, professional trainers begin to conduct classes with two-year-old toddlers. At what age the child will come to the skating rink should be decided only by the parents and the pediatrician observing the child.

Sliding skates for boys

There are several types of skates: figure skates, hockey skates, speed skating skates and recreational skates. Walking boats are suitable for family fun on ice. Their assortment includes most sliding models.

While the baby is small and just learning to ride, the type of sports shoes does not matter. But by the age of 5-6, you need to decide whether your boy will play hockey or other ice sports professionally.

In sporting goods stores you can find professional sliding skates for boys. Men's models are presented in a more restrained design and have discreet colors, which will undoubtedly appeal to any guy. Sports sliding equipment is made of plastic, but men's ones use denser alloys, and there is reinforcement on the frame with polymer inserts.

Sliding skate models for girls

Sliding skates for girls are a suitable option for their first ice skating. Women's models are lightweight, have a lightweight frame, and plastic clips securely fix a girl's leg.

Sliding ones are suitable for learning to skate and having fun on the ice. And if the little beauty chooses a certain type of winter sport, she will have to purchase other sports equipment.

How to choose skates for your child before winter arrives

Parents begin to prepare for each season in advance. Winter is no exception: already in mid-autumn, fathers and mothers stock up on skates, skis, ice cubes, buns and other equipment for their children.

If you want to buy ice shoes in advance, then you should think about what size is best to buy. Sliding models can last 4-5 seasons, but to achieve this, the minimum size must be suitable for the coming winter.

Important! It is worth buying skates a size larger so that you can wear a warm sock in severe frost. For sliding models, you should not make an exception, but it is best to purchase them according to the same rule.

Which brands are better

The best manufacturers of sports equipment are:

Sports Collection (SC). A Russian company that is famous for the production of high-quality sports equipment.
Bauer. Canadian leader in the manufacture of professional hockey equipment.
. The SportMaster brand has won respect from consumers.
. Chinese production, not inferior in quality to European brands.

For several years, the most popular model of children's sliding skates has been the Action PW-322. The set has universal colors, the plastic is highly durable and fits comfortably around the leg. The size range is presented in two versions: 33-37 and 36-40 sizes.

You must buy skates together with your child. Bring a warm sock with you to the store so that your little athlete can try them on right in the store. Ask your child to make a few test movements right on the sales floor: this way he can understand which pair of shoes is most comfortable for him to move in.

For babies, you can determine the right size using a measuring tape. The child will be comfortable if the shoe is 1-1.5 centimeters larger than his foot.

You need to buy those models in which the sliding mechanism is located on the toe, and not on the heel. In the second case, the child’s center of gravity will shift, which will increase the risk of injuries and falls.

There are models that extend in length, but the width does not change. You shouldn't buy them; you won't be able to wear them in subsequent seasons.

In specialized stores there are models of skates that transform from ice to roller skates. This way, you can buy a child-friendly pair of shoes for winter and summer.

Manufacturers offer it to very young athletes. Thanks to increased stability, the baby falls less often and learns to ride faster. This choice has its downside: when a child switches to single-legged models, he has to relearn how to maintain balance.

You should not order skates online: there is an increased risk of buying an uncomfortable pair. If the landing is incorrect, the child will not be able to, which will further discourage him from engaging in this sport.

Sliding skates are produced by manufacturers in order to save the family budget. When choosing them, you should trust proven brands so as not to harm the baby’s health. The durable materials from which these models are made reliably fix the child’s ankle, resulting in minimal bruises and sprains.

Greetings to all lovers of a healthy lifestyle and sports!

Sport has already entered many families; parents instill a love of physical activity and improving the health of their children from childhood. Now that winter is time, ice skating is one of the best options to continue to be active with your child. But how to choose the right skates for a child. After all, not all parents know how to ride themselves, and have never encountered this.

From the wide variety of offers in sports stores, it is very difficult to choose by size, shape, purpose, and other characteristics without basic knowledge. After all, there are different types. So let's get started getting acquainted with these items, the popularity of which is growing in our country.

The benefits of ice skating for children

Let's start the story with theory. Every self-respecting father or mother wants their child to always be healthy, strong, and active. To achieve these goals, skating will help improve the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Time spent on ice improves the functioning of all internal organs, increases immune defense, improves sleep, strengthens the body, normalizes posture, and a good mood will always accompany the child. Independence and coordination of movement will only increase. Making new acquaintances at the skating rink will help you develop sociability with other peers.

First you need to find out what fascinates your child most. Smoothness of movement, beauty, grace or sharpness of braking and speed, or maybe he likes to just quietly roll along the ice with you. This is necessary to select the type of pair you need.

The most recommended age to take your first steps on skates is 3-4 years. At this age, the baby can already run perfectly and keep his balance; of course, it is possible even later than 7-8 years. But the sooner your child learns to cut ice, the better for him.

Types of children's skates

Before choosing the right first winter skates for your child, consider the following options.

Initial training . The very first bipods that a child should become familiar with. The presence of two knives gives stability. They are attached to a regular children's shoe with straps. The first sensations of a new movement of the legs, or rather sliding, should attract the child. In addition, these are safe items in case of a fall. In the future, when your child is confident in skating, you can safely switch to the option with one blade.

Curly. A common type of skate. How to choose figurines for a child, pay attention that the blade should be longer than the shoe at the end, there should be a row of teeth in front (3-4 pieces). It would be better if the boots are made of genuine leather, cheaper ones are made of artificial leather. The internal part is additionally equipped with insulation. The sole of this type is made of leather, plastic with a heel.

Hockey. As you understand, these skates are designed for playing hockey (if you are interested, go and check out the game between TORPEDO and JOKERIT in the last playoffs 2015-2016). Contact, fast game. Hence the leg accessory differs from the ones described above. The leather version of the boots is the most suitable. Manufacturers use a plastic block to protect the ankle. The toe and heel of the young athlete are additionally protected. The blade is made of chrome steel. The length matches the boot. At the ends the steel blade is raised upward. In hockey shoes there is no heel, the sole is solid.

Walking . Nowadays they are also called fitness skates. This childish look has taken over store shelves. Amateur skates for children are equipped with a thin blade, the boot is made of lightweight plastic. To save money, options are made with retractable platforms in 4 sizes. If a boy or girl's feet are growing, you can increase the size of the skates.

In all cases, look at the quality of workmanship so that the child does not experience discomfort or inconvenience when sliding. When choosing the right skates for a child Pay attention to the laces and fastenings for them; additional equipment includes Velcro for a strong fastening; the tongues of the shoes follow the curve of the leg. The insoles have an instep support, but most importantly they are removable and quick-drying. The matte blade will maintain quality longer and cut ice better. When I was a child, I used to buy boots and blades separately to save money. Then the two elements were fastened with rivets. Before purchasing, pay attention to the installation of the blade. Screwed too close to the inside of the boot, the baby's foot will move outward. To the outside - the leg falls inward. Only an exact, level position in the middle will allow the leg to stand correctly. Now they produce solid ones, the boot and skate create a single whole. But the best option would be to purchase a riveted version for ride quality and comfort. Consider the choice of color; white figure skates are suitable for girls, black figure skates for boys.

Before going out on the ice, be sure to sharpen your blade and entrust the event to professionals. Sharpening of figure skates and, for example, hockey skates is different, be aware of this. Additionally, purchase covers for skates. After each visit to the skating rink, leave the skates to dry and teach your children to do the same procedure.

How to choose the size of skates for a child

There are also nuances here, and they differ from the choice for a child. No matter how old a boy or girl is 4,5,6 years old and older, you need to try on a shoe. In winter, warm socks are usually worn. Therefore, first, measure your baby’s foot, add another 1.5 cm. But buying skates two sizes larger is not recommended. Thinking that two socks would be just right. It is necessary to take into account not only the fingers, but also the ankle. A loose foot in the boot will lead to improper skating and imbalance. These include frequent falls on ice, bruises, and injuries.

Pay attention to the table of sizes for children's skates from well-known manufacturers. Perhaps it will help you with your purchase.

manufacturer	size	compliance
Russia	26	27	28	28,5	29	29,5	30	30,5	31	31,5	32
BAUER	Y8	Y9	Y10	Y10	Y11	Y11	Y12	Y12	Y13	Y13	—
GRAF	Y8	Y9	Y10	Y10	Y11	Y11	Y12	Y12	Y13	Y13	—
CCM	Y8	Y8	Y9	Y10	Y10	Y11	Y11	Y12	Y12	Y13	Y13
RBK	Y8	Y8	Y9	Y10	Y10	Y11	Y11	Y12	Y12	Y13	Y13
EASTON	Y9	Y9	Y10	Y11	Y11	Y11.5	Y12	Y12.5	Y12.5	Y13	Y13.5

How to learn to skate for beginner young skaters

If you yourself stand confidently on the ice. It will not be difficult for you to position your baby and make the first pushing movements. Looking at dad on skates, the child will intuitively reach out for you. If you don’t have similar experience, but have a great desire to teach your child. Some tips.

First, start at home. Teach your child to skate at home. Habit is a great trump card. The legs are slightly apart, the knees are slightly bent. Simple standing exercises will prepare the body.
When you go out on the ice for the first time, hold your baby by the hands or by the side. Let him just walk on the ice for now, don’t force him to make sliding movements.
When you are standing, give your child a ride in reverse and ask them to spread their legs and put them together. This element is very necessary.
You can show the snake. This is when the legs move together, side to side. Then show how to push off with your feet while performing a herringbone pattern.
When turning, you need to keep your body in the direction of the turn. When braking, press your heel into the ice or make a sharp side turn with both feet.

As children, we learned to ride on our own without help. Looking at the movements of already advanced guys. If you want to see a future athlete in your child, then be sure to contact the section.

Today’s story will help you approach more carefully the question of which skates to choose for a child without experience. If you have your own secrets or additions, please do not be shy and share in the comments. Get your children into sports. Continue to lead a healthy lifestyle, exercise, eat right with the blog. Life will be filled with new colors and joyful moments. Best regards, Sergei.

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One of my favorite winter activities is ice skating. Many people spend their evenings at the skating rinks. Fans of ice entertainment will sooner or later have to think about purchasing their own skates. And there are a number of reasons for this. However, beginners are concerned about the question: “How to choose skates for beginners?” After all, this is a purchase for several years.

Why you should buy your own skates rather than rent them

Hygiene. Only the skater's foot will be in the boot, therefore there is no risk of fungal infection.
You won’t have to sweat in plastic bags, which are offered in many rentals instead of a hygienic sock.
The skates will be fitted exactly to size and will wear to the wearer's feet over time.
There will be no connection to rental ice arenas. Often small free sites are equipped in courtyards and parks. However, there is nothing to do there without your skates.
If you visit the skating rink frequently, you can run up an impressive amount of money for using shoes.

The main reasons are clear. The only benefit of rental: here a beginner can decide what he likes (or fits his leg) best. Even a little experience will help you solve the question: “Which skates should I choose for beginners?”

Types of skates

Probably everyone noticed that the shoes of figure skaters are not the same as those of hockey players. The skates of the latter are very different from speed skating, etc. Each sport has its own shoes. Depending on the type of load, different blades are used, sharpening methods, even the appearance of the boot is strikingly different.

There are 3 main types of skates: hockey, figure skating and speed skating. Also, this list is often supplemented by amateur (or recreational) and children's. Which skates are best for beginners? To answer this question, you need to consider the features of each type of ice shoe.

Hockey skates

Everything here is aimed at protecting the feet. Everyone knows that hockey is a rather aggressive and traumatic sport. Here there are frequent hits with a stick or on the board, and sometimes the puck hits the leg. Shoes should protect the player from all these troubles. Therefore, comfort is often sacrificed for safety. Hockey skates are quite hard, they are made of synthetic materials and have hard inserts in the most exposed areas. They always have a reinforced toe (it is made of plastic). On the other hand, a hard boot provides good support for the foot and ankle and fixes the foot in the correct position.

Another requirement that the game places on shoes is speed and maneuverability. Therefore, the blades of skates are shaped like an arc and there are no teeth on them. This allows you not to cling to the ice even during very sharp turns. The smaller the area of contact with the ice, the more maneuverable the player. However, it will be more difficult to maintain balance.

How to choose skates for beginners to play hockey? If you plan to skate on outdoor skating rinks, then you should not buy professional shoes. It is designed for temperatures down to -5. In severe frosts, the outer layer may crack. For street games, it is better to choose models from semi-professional and amateur collections. These shoes can withstand 20-degree frosts without the slightest damage. In addition, they are insulated, unlike professional ones. They have a warm insole inserted into them, a edging is sewn on, and there are inlays that protect the feet from frost. You can ask the store clerks which skates are best for beginners.

Let's summarize. This is not the most suitable option for beginners, since it is quite difficult to maintain balance in hockey skates, so at first there will be a lot of falls. But if a person is going to run on the ice with a stick, then he needs to start in appropriate shoes. If you already have some experience, you can safely buy hockey skates, because they can be used to perform various turns and some tricks, develop high speed and quickly release it. In other words, they provide greater freedom of action.

Figure skates

They provide greater stability on ice due to the long straight blade, which protrudes 2-2.5 cm beyond the heel line. There are teeth in the front that allow you to stand on tiptoes and perform steps, jumps and complex pirouettes. However, it is this element that causes a lot of inconvenience for beginners. The teeth can catch on the uneven ice of outdoor skating rinks, often leading to falls. But in all other respects, figure skates for beginners are the best option.

Shoes are made from leather or substitutes. This provides rigid fixation of the ankle, which will protect against many injuries. However, the skates are thin. As a result, riding in the cold is cold. The problem can be solved by using warm, insulating socks. The boot is high, with tight lacing, which makes it easier to control movements.

How to choose skates for beginner skaters? Preference should be given to shoes with soles made of genuine leather. It perfectly absorbs moisture, which is very important for long-term skiing.

Before purchasing, you should check the blades: they need to be slightly bent and released. The metal should return to its original position. If there is a bend, then the material used is of poor quality, it is better to choose another pair.

Walking skates

One of the most versatile types of riding shoes. Models may be similar in appearance to hockey, figure or roller skates. However, they differ from everyone else because they have a softer and warmer boot. The blades can follow the shape of hockey blades, but in this case the arc will not be steep. Or curly, then the teeth are either very short or absent at all. These skates are designed for those who plan to just skate and enjoy a leisurely walk on the ice, and not race with a puck or learn complex pirouettes. In general, an option for most visitors to outdoor skating rinks.

Walking skates are designed for comfortable skating, so they have a softer boot. Lacing can be classic, or buckles can be used, like roller laces. Then the soft boot will be combined with the plastic one. However, the fasteners may break and can only be replaced with the skate. Walking shoes are initially designed for extreme cold, so you can ride in any weather.

However, increased comfort results in the ankle being less rigidly supported, which increases the risk of injury. Also, a soft boot imposes serious restrictions on the ability to perform pirouettes, jumps and other complex elements. You need to know all these features to decide which skates to choose. Walking trails are quite suitable for beginners.

Children's skates

For kids, shoes with a wider and more stable blade are offered. Double skids can also be used. These are the best skates for beginners under 4-5 years of age. When the child gets a little used to the new way of moving, you can buy shoes with a normal narrow blade. In this case, you can use children's sliding skates. Their appearance resembles amateur ones. They are suitable for simple ice skating. The stock of sliding models is usually 3-5 sizes.

If a child plans to skate more thoroughly, then it is better to immediately select figure or hockey skates for him. Depending on the chosen sport. Allowable stock is no more than 2 sizes. Otherwise, the boot will dangle on the foot, which will lead to injury.

Lacing

It is necessary to fix the foot in the boot. Reliable lacing distinguishes skates for beginners. Children may be interested in bright, colorful laces. It’s so nice and interesting to tie them! But the optimal solution is ordinary cotton laces. Synthetic ones will come loose, especially in the cold. Fasteners cannot always be adjusted, and they are rarely located. It is good if the holes for the lace are located frequently. This will ensure reliable fixation and protect against injury. A good option is a combination: the buckle is located at the very top, and the rest is controlled by a lace. The boot should fit snugly, but not squeeze your foot. It’s easy to check the quality of the lacing: you can sit down in the shoes without falling back. That, in fact, is all you need to know about how to choose skates for beginners.

Sharpening

New skates are usually dull. Before you start riding, take them to be sharpened. You should not try to do this yourself, because the procedure is performed on a special machine.

There are 2 ways of sharpening: with a groove and with a flat stone. In the first case, maneuverability is ensured, the skate can ride on an edge, and when turning it “bites” into the ice. In the second case, the surface of contact with the ice is larger, and stability is better. This is suitable for beginners. Then you can resharpen it under the groove.

You need to go to the store with him and try on shoes with him. This is the only way to choose the perfect size.
Children should not buy skates that are too big. Stock - maximum 1-2 sizes. If you don’t want to change them often, you can buy sliding ones.
To determine if the skates fit, you must lace them completely.
It is advisable to try on several pairs. Then it will be clear which shoe fits your foot.
To understand whether skates are comfortable, you need to walk around in them and squat.

Which skates are best for beginners or where to stop?

It's easy to get confused in this diversity. Therefore, before choosing skates for beginners, you should decide which type of skating is closer. And already build on this. So, if you are planning ice battles with sticks and a puck, then you need to buy hockey skates, since no other skates can protect your feet well from injuries and impacts. To perform pirouettes, jumps, and draw complex figures, only figure ones are used. The rest will not be able to provide proper stability and fixation of the ankle. However, if there are no special plans, then walking will be enough.

There is no point in buying expensive skates for beginners. No price tag will stop children: the leg will grow quickly. But an amateur is unlikely to visit the ice so often. For beginners to skate on smooth and level arenas, figure skates are the best choice. For street ice, hockey or walking shoes with rigid ankle support are suitable. This will avoid injury and teach your leg to hold correctly.