Equipment Needed
- Skates
- Cones to mark a circle or curve
Mark the crossover arc
A set of cones or markers makes it easy to lay out a consistent circle or curve for crossover work.
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- Set up a circle or curved path with cones marking the turn.
- Skaters take turns skating the curve at an increasing pace.
Instructions
- Approach the turn at a controlled speed, leaning the body toward the inside of the curve.
- Cross the outside skate over the inside skate, pushing with each crossover step.
- Continue the crossover pattern through the full turn, staying low and balanced.
- Exit the turn and repeat, gradually increasing speed as the pattern feels comfortable.
Coaching Points
- Lean the whole body into the turn, not just the shoulders — an upright body makes crossovers wobbly and slow.
- The crossing (outside) leg should push with real power on each step, not just step over passively.
- Keep the head up throughout the turn, looking ahead rather than down at the skates.
- This is a genuinely difficult skill; expect a real adjustment period and celebrate small improvements.
Variation
Practice crossovers in both directions equally, or add a puck to carry through the turn once the footwork alone is solid.