Cross over or Cross under, that is the question? Which is your preference?

I prefer to teach a cross under. Meaning the skater will Not raise their foot over the other, they will place their foot down just before it crosses while the other foot pushes under using the outside edge, resulting in both feet crossing simultaneously. This makes a more efficient and effortless crossover. 

I start skaters doing a pump (C-cuts) cross under exercise. The pump simulating the sidewise action the foot travels in the air. The pump will also train the foot to cross their toes first instead of their heel first. The feet should slide across simultaneously instead of clomping one over the other.

Since I coach both Figure Skating and Power Skating to hockey players. I find myself using the same technique for both disciplines. I do understand there are a few things different about both skating styles. When you get right down to it power is power. Recently, I have been having my skaters dig into the ice with their edge and pushing against the boards as if they are trying to knock them over. The results of this exercise has proven to be beneficial to the force applied to the edge while skating. They are moving faster across the ice with not only more force, but with better extension in their stride, therefore achieving maximum power and speed with less movement to get where they are going.

The past three days have been great. Last night we went to the Songs at Mirror Lake at Mid's Park, where we saw Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds. Although this morning we had many tired skaters (and coach). After 6 hours of ice today they were even more tired, between all the lessons, practice and classes today. It is great to see all the improvement that has happened already this week. New jumps are off to a good start. Every where I look I am reminded of all the summers I have spent here in Lake Placid. It has always been a great time in this small Olympic village.

First day in Lake Placid for training camp. Skaters are very excited to get started. We have already set some great goals for the week and their schedules are shaping up well. I look forward to watching their improvement at weeks end.

Welcome to JennLoops! I would like to thank everyone for joining my new page. I  recently launched a new web-site www.JennLoops.com to help promote my coaching and new workbooks which will soon be available for purchase. I plan to blog skating tips, events and information about the books. Please feel free to spread the word and invite your friends to visit my page as well. See you on the ice!