How to Learn Skating Crossovers

Crossovers consist of repeatedly crossing your outer foot over your inner foot in order to make you go around in a wide circle. Crossovers are what speed skaters are doing when they're going in the curves. You can do them forwards or backwards--figure skaters also do crossovers a lot by going backwards in big circles around the ice, while hockey players do them forward and backwards. You can do crossovers turning left or turning right; right-handed people generally are happier turning left, while lefties often feel better turning right.

Things You'll Need

  • 10 traffic cones
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Instructions

    • 1

      Find a small circle to skate around, either at an indoor or outdoor rink, and assume your normal skating position--knees bent and nose lined up in line with your left knee. Do this without your skates on.

    • 2

      Stand with the correct body position for going around corners. Place your left shoulder 10 inches from the wall. Bend your body towards the wall, leading with your hips. Your left foot should be on its outer edge, and your right foot should be on its inside edge.

    • 3

      Push out with your right foot. Bring your right foot back without lifting it from the ground. Do this 30 times. If you are comfortable, put on your skates. If you are not, keep practicing until you are.

    • 4

      Line up 10 traffic cones 2 to 4 feet apart; the distance will depend on how long your stride is. If it is longer, place the cones farther apart. If it is shorter, place the cones closer.

    • 5

      Stand with your left skate next to the first cone. Bend your knees. Step over the first cone with your right foot. Do this by bringing your right skate over the laces of your left skate. Stay in this position for 2 seconds.

    • 6

      Push with your right leg to bring your left foot into position next to the second cone. Repeat as many times as you need until you are comfortable doing crossovers.