Cross overs

Question
I haven't played hockey in about 10 years now, and recently took up power skating to get back into it. I am having problems with my right crossovers. I feel very unbalanced on my right foot when bringing my left over and tend to fall. I can stop both ways and am very quick on my left crossovers but going right just isn't coming along very quick. Is there maybe some off ice exercises i could do? Or would you be able to give me some advice.  I do practice every week at power skating but need help.

Answer
Hi Simon!

Explaining the crossover can be a little tricky without demonstration...  

Here are some basic tips:

You must always make sure your knees and ankles are "bent" --  skating with straight legs will not work!!

When you begin your crossover as when you start to do a circle - it's important that you shift your weight with your strides to maintain your balance at all times ... this can be difficult to explain but if you understand this concept it will help with your balance.

Also you must be able to lift your outside leg to get it adequately OVER the inside foot.   Sometimes with shorter legs (if you have this) - a hopping motion is required to get the necessary jump.  

As your outside leg makes contact with the ice - for optimum power and speed the inside leg must complete it's stride... that is keep the skate on the ice pushing you forward as you wood a full stride.   Many players will lift their leg too soon - making it even more difficult to keep balance, proper direction and speed.  (It would feel like driving a car that is out of alignment!  -  you would be pulling in one direction more than the other and inevitably lead to a spill!)

Finally as the inside leg completes it's stride your return with another outside leg (hop) so that you can bring the inside leg back to the front...  

Make sense?

Watch other skaters who can do a good crossover and try to emulate exactly how they do it --  start slow -  and not too bent over --  as you get better you can increase your speed and lower your body ...  "see how low you can go!" ... wear some pads and do near middle of ice so you don't crash into boards!!

Hope this helps!

Have fun!

Martial