Game version
Skate follow-the-leader: one person leads a pattern of glides, crossovers and turns and the group copies. Swap the leader each time.
Backward Crossovers Around Cones
Hold your speed going backward through turns, the way a defender keeps the gap.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Skate backward around a line of cones in a wave.
Core: Crossovers. Aim for smooth edges and compare only with your own last time.
- Ages
- 14 and up
- Time
- 12 min
- Players
- Just you
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Skates, ice, 6 cones
- Level · skill
- Advanced · Skating
The steps
How it works
- Skate backward around a line of cones in a wave.
- Cross the outside foot over the inside foot on each turn.
- Keep your head and stick facing up the ice.
- Do 6 lengths.
Coaching point
Shoulders square, feet do the work.
Safety: Wear a helmet with a full cage, a neck guard, a mouthguard and full gear on the ice.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a level: Less (glides), Core (crossovers), More (crossovers with a turn). Aim for smooth edges and compare only with your own last time.
Story
You are a figure skater drawing shapes on the ice.
My best
Beat your own count
Aim for smooth edges and compare only with your own last time. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
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