How can I improve my skating skills?

Six keys to improve skating speed & efficiency

1. Longer skating strides = wider strides.
2. For acceleration, nothing compares to short off-ice sprints.
3. Less equipment means faster skating practice.
4. Strength workouts must incorporate explosive movement of your body, not just slow strength alone.
5. Practice skating on your own.

Why do skaters do crossovers?

Forward Crossovers The right foot becomes new skating foot as the left foot pushes off with the outside edge; the weight is transferred from the left to the right as this happens. The left foot is then placed next to the right foot and the right foot pushes off with the inside edge.

What is a crossover in Figure Skating?

Introduction: “Crossover” refers to the passing of the outside skate (the one nearer the outside of the curve) over (in front of) the toe of the inside skate. Forward and backward crossovers are very similar.

How to push a skate on the ice?

Pushing against an edge: In preparation for pushing the pushing skate must dig into the ice. The more the foot presses, the boot leans, the knee bends, and the upper body balances over the engaged skate, the more effectively the skate will be able to grip the ice and the greater the potential for thrust against the ice.

What are crossovers and how do they work?

In forward and backward crossovers the inside edge and the outside edge are both used for gliding (as the directional skate) and for pushing (as the movement generating skate). Edges – How. Skates and Body Must Coordinate to Achieve Edges. Crossovers require strong, simultaneous edging on both the pushing and gliding skates.

How do you get edges on roller skates?

Skates and Body Must Coordinate to Achieve Edges. Crossovers require strong, simultaneous edging on both the pushing and gliding skates. The inside skate always glides on its outside edge; the outside skate always glides on its inside edge. The skates alone cannot achieve edges.