Backwards Crossovers

Question
Hi,
 I have mastered forwards crossovers and now I want to do them backwards. I've tried but I can't do them I always fall forwards or fall somehow. I can barely do one crossover. So basically I'm asking...How do you do backwards crossovers?

Answer
Just to make sure you have the fundamentals right ...  here is a basic explanation for backward skating which is a slight variation of forward skating.  While you still need to keep your knees and ankles bent for balance and stability - you will also kind of have a slight forward lean in your upper body with a slight "rear end" protrusion.  Keep your feet about shoulder width apart.  Stick out in front.

To start the learning process - get in the above stance and then slowly start pushing with one skate making a "C" type motion and then switch to the other foot.  You can kind of "wiggle" your behind at first - till you start getting a more fluid motion.  Keep alternating from one foot to the other.

(To help, you can observe other skaters who do this well and try to emulate them using the above "hints"...)

If you are doing this OK --  then the crossover will basically consist of lifting one leg over the other while in this stance.   You may have to do a hopping motion if you have "shorter" legs...

It's as much about weight shifting and keep the knees and ankles bent while doing it.  If you do not have the correct stance - this will cause you to lose balance.   Don't be afraid to "EXAGGERATE" when you first try this...  be successful first and then you can add speed and power after.   And if you fall - you fall...  THIS IS PART OF THE LEARNING.  A great thing about the human brain is that it loves to preserve it's body and will do wonderful things to adjust on it's own.   SO GO OUT THERE - BE BRAVE -  have fun and trust yourself... with a bit of practice you will be doing crossovers in no time!!!

Hope this helps!

Thanks

Martial