Crossovers, one step at a time by Steve Serdachny 11/20/2004 - This month we뭨e going to learn how to execute a powerful backward crossover. This is an excellent technique for creating speed in a variety of offensive and defensive situations, and through your transitions. Like the forward crossover, backward crossovers consist of three stages: the C-thrust, the reach with the inside leg, and the inside push. Throughout the technique, your upper body should be fairly upright, your free hand should be up and in at your chest, and your stick should be on the ice. When you뭨e skating backwards, you should have two hands on the stick only if you are carrying the puck. Step 1 The first phase of the crossover is a powerful C-thrust with the outside leg. Starting from a proper skating stance with a deep knee bend, use the ball of your skate to apply power to the inside edge. Remember to use both the push and a pulling motion to create power. Throughout the entire technique, your outside skate should never lose contact with the ice. Drive the foot out, and pull it back under your hips. Step 2 The second phase is the reach in and push with the inside leg. This happens simultaneously with the C-thrust, allowing you to create continuous power using both legs. You reach into the circle with your inside skate at the same time as your outside leg begins the first part of the C-thrust. The inside leg applies power to the inside edge of the blade, and the leg drives in to your body, taking a line just behind the outside skate. Step 3 The last phase of the technique drives the inside leg to the outside of your body. The power transfers from your inside edge to the outside edge as your skate crosses the midline. Drive the leg out to full extension, finishing with a powerful toe flick. Many players neglect to take the inside stride out to a full extension. This results in a significant loss of power and speed. The inside leg should push to maximum extension, and your legs should be crossed, forming an 밲?at the end of the stride. Your lower body should be low to the ice, prepared to repeat the technique. The outside leg then initiates another C-thrust as the inside leg reaches into the circle, preparing for another powerful push. When properly executed, a backwards crossover is a smooth, continuous motion that creates optimum power while providing you with maximum control. Learn to develop a good rhythm ?thrust, reach, pull and push. Keep your upper body upright and square, with your shoulders level to help counter-balance your motion. Keep your stick on the ice. If you don뭪 have possession, make sure that your free hand is up and in at your chest. Backwards crossovers are an important skating technique for every hockey player to master. Whether you뭨e a forward or a defencemen, this crossover is an invaluable skill at game time. Common errors Here are some common errors to be aware of while you practice this technique. 1. Don뭪 cut your inside leg thrust short. If you don뭪 take that leg out to full extension, you won뭪 generate maximum power or speed with your crossover. 2. Avoid leaning into the circle. If you don뭪 have your upper body positioned for proper counter-balance, you won뭪 be able to apply equal power with both legs. 3. Don뭪 just work to one side. Everyone has a strong side that they뭨e more comfortable with. Concentrate on your weak side until you can perform the technique equally well in either direction. Key Points So now you have an idea of the proper technique for a backward crossover, all you have to do is get to the rink and practise, practise, practise. Here뭩 what to focus on while you뭨e working. 1. Drive that inside leg out to full extension. Remember that your legs should form a deep 밲?at the completion of each stride. 2. Maintain a proper upper body position to ensure proper counterbalance. Keep you free hand up at your chest, and keep your shoulders square and level. 3. Work on your weak side to ensure that you can perform the technique equally well going either direction. Backwards crossovers are difficult and take time to perfect. Do not get frustrated if you cannot perfectly execute them. Start slowly by isolating the pushes at low speed and then put the components together. Practise them often and you will become a complete skater. If you want to dominate on the frozen pond you need to always work on improving your wheels. Good Luck and 밊ire it up!