Weaving from one
side to another creates lateral mobility
and is the basis for faking (deking).
Faking is accomplished by crossing over
one way (right over left) and then
alternating to cross over the other way
(left over right). In weaving
crossovers a third step must be added to
the crossover sequence to neutralize the
feet, the original direction of curve,
and body weight. Only after the
neutralizing step can a player skate in
the new direction.
We have discussed
the first two steps and first two pushes
of crossovers in previous articles and
tips. Here we will discuss the all
important third step and accompanying
third push.
The Third Step
- Weaving
Crossovers has a sequence of three
steps instead of two.
- The third
step lands on the skate that would
ordinarily glide on the outside edge
(inside skate) on a regular
crossover. But in this move it
steps onto the inside edge.
- The third
step is a wide step, landing
immediately on a strong inside edge.
- By landing
on a strong inside edge player can
change quickly from one direction to
another.
The Third Push
- Player must
gain speed on the third step as well
as on the first two steps.
- Third push
is done with the same leg that did
the first push.
- Third push
is identical to the first push.
Note:
Contrary to straight forward or straight
backward skating, lateral motion
requires wide base. In order to shift
weight rapidly from side to side, the
feet should be somewhat wider apart than
the shoulders. The following
sequences show forward and backward
weaving crossovers.
Drills:
Skaters should
practice variations of weaving
crossovers down the ice:
- Use one
crossover in each direction with a
wide neutralizing step in each
direction.
- Use two
crossovers in each direction with
wide neutralizing step in each
direction.
- Practice
weaving crossovers in and out of
pylons. Pylons should be set
up in differing patterns. The
object is to develop greater agility
and speed as players' abilities to
perform these maneuvers improve.
- Two skaters
partner up. One skates forward
(pretending to be a forward) and the
other skates backward (pretending to
be a defender).
- The
forward, skating with a puck,
starts at the goal line and
skates forward, using weaving
crossovers down the ice. The
forward should try to fake and
get away from the defender.
- The
defender starts inside the first
blue line and skates a similar
pattern of backward crossovers,
tracking and preventing the
forward from getting free.
