Inline skaters use a technique known as crossovers to make turns without losing speed. Once you've learned to skate and brake on inline skates, you can progress to learning crossovers to improve your skating. This technique requires you to cross one skate over the other, balancing momentarily on one skate. Starting slow and practicing in a controlled environment will help you develop this skill.
Step 1
Practice the crossover motion without skates on. To make a crossover turn, you must cross the outside skate, or the skate near the outside of the turn, over the inside skate. To complete the turn, you'll have to make this crossover motion several times in succession. Practice in slow motion to see how it feels.
Step 2
Practice the correct stance as well as the correct foot movements. During crossovers, you should keep your knees bent. When making a fast turn, bend your knees low enough that your thighs and shins form a 90-degree angle. On fast turns, your skates and hips should lean into the turn to form a 45-degree angle with the ground.
For slower turns, you can bend your knees less severely and keep your skates and hips more upright. No matter the speed of your turn, you should keep your back and shoulders level rather than leaning them into the turn. Keeping your torso straight helps you maintain your balance.
Step 3
Put on your skates and protective gear, including helmet, kneepads, elbow pads and wrist protectors. Find a grassy area or an old carpet to practice on so you won't roll.
Step 4
Practice the crossover motion on the grass or carpet. Practice until you can complete the crossover motion without looking down to see where your skates are. You should be able to feel their position naturally in order to avoid knocking the skates into each other as you cross one over the other.
Step 5
Move to a smooth surface where your skates will roll. Practice the crossovers near a wall or rail that you can grab onto for support. Move away from the wall or rail when you feel comfortable enough to perform the crossovers in an open space.
Tips and Warnings
- Right-handed people might find it easer to turn left, crossing the right foot over the left foot, while left-handed people might find it easier to turn right, crossing the left foot over the right foot. Practice crossovers in the more comfortable direction first.
- Falls or collisions on inline skates can cause serious scrapes and injuries, even if you wear protective gear. Use caution when skating in crowded public spaces, and don't skate at night or in low light.
Things You'll Need
- Inline skates
- Protective gear
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