Tutorial on how to crossover backwards!!

Backwards crossovers on ice are one of those moves that feel like sorcery at first — but they’re really just a mix of balance, edge control, and body rotation.

Here’s how to break it down step-by-step:

⸻

1. Start with the Basics

Before you try crossovers backwards, you should already be comfortable with:
• Backwards skating
• Gliding on outside and inside edges
• Basic backwards C-cuts
• Looking over both shoulders while moving

⸻

2. Stance & Setup
• Bend your knees more than you think you need — low stance = stability.
• Keep your chest slightly forward over your knees.
• Look over your leading shoulder in the direction you’ll be crossing.

⸻

3. The Motion (Counterclockwise Example)

Step 1 — Backward glide on a curve
• Push with both feet into a gentle outside edge curve to your left.

Step 2 — Cross the outside skate over
• Your right skate (outside of the curve) lifts and crosses over your left skate (inside of the curve).
• Land it smoothly on an outside edge.

Step 3 — Bring the inside skate around
• Your left skate now uncrosses by swinging wide and coming beside/right under the right skate.
• This pushes you into the next crossover.

Step 4 — Repeat
• Think: Cross → Uncross → Cross → Uncross in a smooth cycle.

⸻

4. Key Tips
• Upper body leads — your shoulders and hips turn slightly into the curve before your feet cross.
• Edges do the work — inside skate rides an inside edge, outside skate rides an outside edge.
• Keep your head up — look where you’re going, not at your feet.
• Don’t stomp the cross — place the crossing skate gently to keep your glide smooth.

⸻

5. Drills to Learn It Faster
• Practice backward inside edge glides (for the inside foot) and backward outside edge glides (for the crossing foot) separately.
• Try half crossovers — just cross the outside foot over without uncrossing, to get the feeling of the first motion.
• Work in slow circles before trying it at speed.


#hockey #skate #skating #iceskating #figureskating #iceskater