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thanks, they started out with right foot forward when I started pulling them along, and now will alternate between right foot forward and left foot forward. Left foot forward is starting to get better still not as good as right foot forward, but the gap is closing.
I swapped out the original bushes (sp?) on their board as before they were too hard and they couldn't get the board to turn, now they're softer and can turn more easily. Not sure how they'd get on with balancing on one foot on the board with the current bushes, will see.
Will send all this across to uncle who skates more than I do so when he looks after them he can get them to do some more of it. Think it will carry a bit more weight from uncle possibly than me.Also thanks to everyone for responding, its appreciated
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cornelius_blackfoot
@iamlono
My 2p worth after skating since '86 and teaching various small people how to learn pushing: they may well have a dominant leg - i.e. left foot forward is regular, right foot forward goofy. As adults most of us will have one stance that feels more comfortable than the other, but try to steer them away from this so they can use either stance. Switch didn't really exist when I started, and I find pushing switch very counterintuitive now alas. If they're used to riding a scooter they'll probably have a stance already, so good to teach them that you can push with both feet. Get them to angle their front foot at about 45deg, then once rolling turn it to about 80deg when the back foot is on (typically at near 90deg).
Most important is to deter them from pushing mongo (an outdated term I know, but it's one all skaters recognise) where they position their rear foot straight on at the tail, then once moving bring the front foot up to the middle of the board. It's hands-down the worst technique to learn, as they'll be immediately unbalanced, with all the weight on the tail. One technique I used with an initially reluctant nephew was to tighten the wheel nuts all the way down so the board doesn't actually roll, then get them to stand on it to get used to how they'll move the board, much like learning how to surf by just standing on the sand. As mentioned above, getting them to balance on just their front foot is pretty much the principle behind rolling. Check how tight the trucks are too, as if they're too loose they'll need more balance to keep the board straight. Once they get the hang of it, loosen the nuts so the board rolls and this is where the fun begins, and it's also a good way of teaching them ollies.
I've taught dozens of wee nippers these techniques, and with varying degrees of success. One nephew had a blast until he slammed, and, despite being made of rubber at age 6, it wasn't for him. Another niece quite liked the danger aspect so quite literally pushed through the bruises, but it's entirely random.