Crossovers around the faceoff circles

Setup

1. Use the two faceoff circles in one end zone. Half the group lines up beside the top circle, half beside the bottom circle.
2. One skater per circle at a time, so nobody meets anyone coming the other way.
3. Full equipment, full face cage and neck guard for everyone. Stick in two hands, blade on the ice.

How it runs

1. Top circle: skate the line turning left (counter-clockwise). The right skate crosses over the left on every stride.
2. Bottom circle: skate the line turning right (clockwise). The left skate crosses over the right.
3. Two laps each, then go to the back of the other circle's line, so the next turn is the other way.
4. Start slowly with a step-over and glide; add speed once the crossover is clean.
5. Progression: carry a puck round the circle, then add a quick stop at the dot and go the other way.
6. Sets of four or five turns, with a drink after each set.

Coaching points

• Inside shoulder down and stick inside the circle, eyes up looking round the turn.
• Push twice per stride: outside skate pushes out, inside skate pushes under the body.
• The crossing skate lands close to the inside skate, not way out in front.
• Knees bent and the same low height the whole way round.
• Lean into the circle from the ankles, not by bending at the waist.

Common mistakes

• Standing tall, so the edges don't grip and the skater drifts off the line.
• Only stepping over without the push from underneath.
• Looking at the feet instead of where they're going.
• Avoiding the weaker direction; give it the same number of laps.