How To Start Rollerblading With Crossovers

Learning To Skate in Arcs

Are you eager to learn rollerblading but unsure where to start? Or perhaps you’re wondering if mastering the technique of skating in arcs is necessary at all? Read our guide and discover how to master this valuable skill!

 

Cross-stepping on rollerblades is a technique that allows you to take turns without losing speed. Mastering this skill enables you to navigate the city more smoothly and swiftly. You can turn without braking, and without worrying about losing balance or falling. However, before reaching this level, practice is essential. The key is mastering two skills: cross-stepping and leaning into the turn.

 

What Exercises Will Help You Master Curve Skating?

 

If you want to enhance your skills and skate better, remember that patience is crucial. Practice makes perfect, so perform exercises regularly. Pay attention to shifting your body weight and leaning towards the centre of the turn. When skating in a curve, you first use the outer edges of the skates, and after cross-stepping, the inner edges.

 

Cross-Stepping

 

Proper cross-stepping while skating in a curve is essential. Without this skill, you won’t be able to execute the cross-step effectively. Start with exercises standing on grass.

• Stand on your left leg and transfer your entire body weight onto it.

• Lightly bring your right leg over the left, crossing them.

The next exercise can be done next to a tree or another large object, like a wall. Lean on it with your hand, tilt towards the outer edge of one skate’s wheels, leaning towards the tree/wall, but keep your body straight, then cross your legs and lean on the inner edge of the other skate’s wheels. Ensure that during this exercise, you lean your entire body, not just twist your ankle.

Before attempting these exercises while skating, try cross-stepping while standing.

 

Step sideways and bend your right leg, transferring your body weight onto it; cross your legs by leading your left leg over the right; shift your body weight onto the left leg. Once you master these exercises, you can start moving in motion, skating in a circle.

 

Skating in a Circle - What To Focus On?

 

Before gaining speed while skating in a circle, ensure that you always lean your body towards the centre of the circle. This helps maintain balance and perform the cross-step correctly. The first preparatory exercise for cross-stepping is the so-called “scooter” skating, where you push off with one leg only on one side.

 

Skating Left: Mastering the Art of Inline Skating

When learning to skate left, it’s crucial to maintain the correct posture. Lean your body towards the centre of the circle, slightly bend your left knee, and point your left hand towards the circle’s centre. Begin your movement by pushing off with your right foot. Keep your left hand lower and directed towards the circle’s centre, while your right hand stays higher. This positioning helps you achieve a good lean into the circle or turn. To change direction, simply repeat the hand and foot positioning in reverse.

 

Once you’ve gained some speed, try this balance exercise:

- Pick up the pace.

- Bring your feet together.

- Shift your body weight onto one foot.

- Glide as long as possible on one foot around the circle.

- Practise this exercise on both your right and left foot, in both directions.

 

 

If you find these exercises easy, you’re ready to move on to proper inline skating.

 

Start Practising in a Safe Environment

Begin by practising in a safe, open space where you can move around an imaginary circle. Always remember to keep your shoulders directed towards the circle’s centre. Once you’re properly positioned, start skating by pushing off and crossing your legs.

 

A common mistake for beginners attempting crossovers is insufficient leg crossing, which prevents proper push-off. Another frequent error is turning your shoulders outward when they should remain directed inward, towards the circle’s centre or the inside of the turn.

 

 

Although crossovers might seem complex at first, after a few repetitions of the suggested exercises, you’ll be well-prepared. The key is to stay motivated and focus on maintaining the correct body posture. For a complete guide, watch our tutorial on our YouTube channel.