Crossover Training for Beginner Skaters

If you are a rookie skater or coach rookie skaters, this one is for you! :-)
The biggest challenge I see for new skaters who are learning crossovers for the first time is developing that balance to be on one leg and doing something with power with the other leg. In this video, I share some off skates exercises that speed skaters use to develop that balance in the stabilizing muscles to execute crossovers along with a simple drill that works on crossovers by focusing on each leg and building to the final skating stride.
Shout out to Cadillac Roller Derby! Thank you for inviting me to your practice! :-)
Off Skates: Remember precision and positioning of knee over ankle takes precedence over speed for completing these exercises. In fact, it takes MORE control to do them slowly.
On Skates Tip: Isolating the inside leg is tricky! You can work on getting your foot in the right position to push out to the right by setting up an hour glass sticky skating stride and then pushing into that "cross-under" movement. You can see me demoing it by having that left leg go a little wide before pushing under the right.
If you enjoyed this video, sub to this channel, check out our facebook page and listen to our podcast - Power Through the 4th Whistle Roller Derby Podcast. :-)

[@SensationallySilky]

The examples of the off skate exercises are perfection. I'm realizing that I have virtually zero muscle memory for this right now. Thanks for this video!

[@MiauMichigan]

Thank you! I'm a beginner skater and I haven't done any exercise in four years so balancing in skates is difficult. I need to build some strength. Your video is perfect!

[@bshank8858]

This is awesome, even if you're not a beginner, great workout ideas!

[@MilliLirin]

You are so incredibly motivating. My coaches are great and incredibly supporting and encouraging, but this is also helping quite a lot. Especially the off-skate part which I can do at home

[@PowerThroughthe4thWhistle]

You're welcome! I'm really glad it's helping. It's amazing how much you can do off skates away from practice to get stronger for skating.

[@archystrange13]

I feel like I'm almost there!! I just need a bigger space to skate 😭

[@PowerThroughthe4thWhistle]

We all do! But we will. Soon. You know, I learned crossovers skating in a subdivision cul-de-sac. It worked! Just need enough for a circle.

[@archystrange13]

I was just thinking of going up our street to find a cul de sac! 🖤 I live in top of a hill, so there aren't a lot of cars or people. Our backyard is long enough but not wide enough. 💔

[@jonna203]

This was soooo helpful I am told my crossovers are choppy I do this cross and set motion ty for this

[@PowerThroughthe4thWhistle]

Yay! I'm happy this was helpful. :-)

[@AmyHewett]

Thanks for off skates exercises to go along with this! #High5

[@PowerThroughthe4thWhistle]

You're welcome! We don't always have access to a place we can skate so off skates helps us get there. :-)

[@padminikella3024]

Excellent cross Lang pratices madam...

[@iamjimfan]

Now this is a tutorial video!

[@hadleymanmusic]

Thanks

[@NilkanthKulkarniS]

It seems one goes round in anti clockwise circle by crossover. The right leg crosses the left but not opposite. And I do not see anyone going straight by crossover. Thanks for exercises.

[@victoriacobarrubio5612]

Do you teach classes?

[@PowerThroughthe4thWhistle]

I've been a guest coach at practices of local leagues. I help out whoever asks for it. :-)

[@victoriacobarrubio5612]

@@PowerThroughthe4thWhistle I'm very interested how can I reach out