How to Do Backwards Crossovers on Ice

Last Updated: July 14, 2022

Backwards crossovers can be difficult, especially when first learning them. However, they’re an excellent way to gain speed for amazing jumps and beautiful spins. This article will teach you all you need to know to become a pro at backward crossovers… with a lot of practice, of course!

Steps

1
Get into position. Stand on one of the hockey circles. If you’re going around the circle clockwise, your left left will be “inside the circle.” The right leg will be “inside” for counterclockwise crossovers. Keep your head up; do not look at your feet. Bend deep in the knees and ankles but do not break at the waist. Engage your core and open your arms to the inside of the circle.
- If you’re going clockwise, the left arm is behind you the the right is in front. They switch for counter clockwise crossovers.
2
Get yourself started skating backward with some pumps. Pump with the foot “outside” the circle. Look over your “inside”shoulder while you pump (and do crossovers later) so you don’t accidentally hit another skater.

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3
Pump outward with the outside leg, and glide the outside leg in front of your inside leg. Extend the outside foot, and pump the leg with force so that you can hear a clean edge. Keep your back straight, and put all your weight on the inside foot. Unlike forward crossovers, do not lift your outside leg.
4
Push your inside leg out towards the outside of the circle. Push this leg with force. Replace this leg back into the inside of the circle.
5
As your comfort level increases, repeat this process quickly. Your crossovers will become easier and more graceful as you practice.
6
Practice this skill on a circle in both counter-clockwise and clockwise directions. Both directions are necessary for later skills such as spins and jumps. Practice both directions equally.

Warnings

Although backwards crossovers is considered a basic skill, there is still a risk for injury, as with any type of skating.

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