# Forward Crossovers

Part of the Skating Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/skating/guide/index.md)

*2. Option A — Ice Skating*

> **2a12.** Perform forward crossovers in a figure-eight pattern.

Forward crossovers are how skaters maintain and build speed while turning. Instead of gliding through a curve, you actively cross one foot over the other to push through each arc. Performing them in a figure-eight pattern means completing a full circle to one side, then reversing through a full circle to the other side.

### How Forward Crossovers Work

When turning to the **right**, your body leans into the right curve:

1. **Left foot crosses over the right.** Pick the left foot up and set it down across and in front of the right foot, pushing through the outside edge of the left blade.
2. **Right foot steps under.** The right foot simultaneously steps out to the right to become the new outside foot.
3. **Alternate.** Keep crossing left over right in a smooth, rhythmic rhythm as you travel around the circle.

The crossing motion provides continuous forward push — each cross-step generates power that keeps your speed up through the curve.

For a **left circle**, reverse the feet: right crosses over left.

### The Figure-Eight Pattern

A figure eight consists of two circles sharing a center point:
- Skate a complete circle (360°) turning in one direction, then pass through the center point.
- Begin the second circle in the opposite direction.
- Complete that circle to return to the starting point.

Your counselor will assess whether your crossovers show reasonable rhythm and edge control — they do not need to be competition-level quality.

### Building the Skill

If crossovers are new to you:
1. First practice the lean and glide through a circle without crossing — just step wide on the outside foot.
2. Then add the cross: step the inside foot over the outside foot in a slow, deliberate motion.
3. Gradually speed up the rhythm until the two steps blend into a smooth crossing pattern.

> **Tip**
>
> Think of crossovers as "over and under" — the inside foot goes OVER, the outside foot goes UNDER. This simple memory cue helps keep the footwork straight when learning.

## Official Resources

Video: [How To Do Back Crossovers in a Figure 8 (video)](https://youtu.be/krBVgF52z8M)

---

- Previous: [180° Turn Around Cone](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/skating/guide/req2a-11/index.md)
- Next: [Ice Race Safety](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/skating/guide/req2a-13/index.md)