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Circle step crossovers

Add one deliberate crossover to a broad skating circle, then return to a balanced glide in either direction.

8U · 10U · 12UIntermediate7 minutes1–4 players
Original drill diagram
Circle step crossovers: player positions and movement 12ABCD
Four cones A–D mark a circle about eight meters across. 1 starts beside D and follows the clockwise arrows just outside the cones; 2 represents waiting players. Try the crossover after A, then glide to the start. For the other direction, begin D–C–B–A. The arrows show travel, not individual foot placements. Original schematic; not to scale. Circles with numbers or letters mark players. Other markers and arrows are explained in the caption; some diagrams show puck or ball movement instead of skating. Red arrows show shots. Follow the written setup for spacing.

How to run it

Equipment: Cones, Skates, Hockey protective equipment

  1. Place four cones A–D at the top, right, bottom and left of a circle about eight meters across. Skate just outside the cones. Start beside D on the left; up to three waiting players stay outside the circle. Use one active skater at a time.
  2. First complete a slow two-foot glide around the route. The coach then demonstrates one crossover and the return to a parallel glide. Use this progression for 8U–12U skaters who can already turn both ways and briefly balance on either skate.
  3. Begin clockwise, traveling from D toward A. After A, bring the outside skate across the front of the inside skate, place it down, and bring the inside skate back beside it. For clockwise travel, the left skate crosses over the right; counterclockwise reverses the feet.
  4. After that single crossover, glide around the rest of the circle and stop near the starting point. The next skater takes a turn. Reverse direction only between laps, beginning from D toward C for the counterclockwise lap.
  5. Use seven minutes for demonstration and individual turns. Aim for at least one lap each way per skater, with additional turns if time allows. Count a successful crossover when the player can finish it and glide without an extra recovery step.

Key teaching points

  • Cue: “Outside over, inside beside.” Finish the foot exchange before attempting another crossover.
  • Keep knees bent and look along the circle. The step should follow the curve rather than pull the player across its middle.
  • Build one repeatable step first. The diagram shows the route, not skate edges or the full push-under mechanics of powerful crossovers.

Common mistakes

  • Feet remain crossed after the step. Try: rehearse one crossover followed by a clear two-foot glide instead of linking steps.
  • Player cuts toward the middle when crossing. Try: enlarge the circle and aim the step along the next section of the arc.
  • Only the preferred direction gets completed. Try: alternate directions every turn and give the less familiar side its own slow attempt.

Make it fit the player

  • Easier for a developing 8U skater: rehearse the step-over and uncrossing action in shoes with a coach, then skate the circle without crossovers before trying one on ice.
  • Harder for ready 10U/12U: link two crossovers after A, then glide the rest of the lap. Add another pair only after the two-step sequence works in both directions.
Research context & source notes

Background sources for this drill’s skills and teaching principles.

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