Req 2c8 — Forward Crossover

The forward crossover on in-line skates uses the same mechanics as in ice and roller skating: you cross one foot over the other while turning to maintain speed through a curve. The narrower in-line chassis makes the motion slightly different in feel but the technique is the same.

How to Perform a Forward Crossover (Turning Left)

1. Begin skating in a gentle left-curving arc. Lean your whole body into the curve.
2. Cross the right foot over the left. Pick up your right skate and step it to the left side of (and slightly in front of) your left skate. Push through the outside wheels of the right skate.
3. Step the left foot out and under. As the right foot lands, step the left foot out to the left to create the outside edge of the new arc.
4. Repeat. Right over, left out, right over, left out — keep the rhythm going around the curve.

For a right-hand turn, reverse: left crosses over, right steps out.

Why It Works

The crossing motion creates a lateral push component — each cross-step drives you into the curve without losing forward momentum. Without crossovers, you would simply coast through a curve and slow down. With crossovers, you can maintain or even accelerate through a turn.

Tips for In-Line Crossovers

Lean, do not tilt the head. The lean needs to come from your ankles and hips — not just head and shoulders. Your whole body should tilt slightly into the curve like a bicycle wheel leaning through a turn.

Keep the crossing foot parallel to the wheel row. As you set the crossing foot down, align it parallel to your direction of travel. Twisting the foot as you cross causes edge-catch.

Official Resources