🏒 The Power of Crossovers: Become an Unstoppable Skater

Skating in a straight line might get you from Point A to Point B, but it won’t make you an elite player.

The top players in the NHL - Connor McDavid , Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon - don’t just skate fast. 

They weave, shift, and explode laterally with crossovers to create space and opportunities.

If you want to control the play, shake defenders, and be a true offensive threat, you need to improve your crossover ratio.

At Pro Performance Hockey, we did the research on the elite NHL players.

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What Is Crossover Ratio?

A study of NHL players found a clear difference between elite players and the average pro:

• Elite Players – 3:1 crossover ratio (One crossover every three strides)

• Average NHL Players – 14:1 crossover ratio (One crossover every fourteen strides)

What does this tell us?

The best players don’t just skate straight, they constantly shift laterally, making them harder to defend and nearly impossible to predict.

Why More Crossovers Make You More Dangerous

Ask any defenseman:

Would they rather face a player skating in a straight line or one who is constantly shifting laterally?

It’s no contest.

Players who use frequent, explosive crossovers:

• Create Time & Space – Defenders can’t lock in on their movement.

• Generate More Speed & Agility – Crossovers allow for rapid acceleration in any direction.

• Become Unpredictable – A straight-line skater is easy to track, but a lateral-moving player is a nightmare to defend.

How to Improve Your Crossover Ratio

1. Drive Your Non-Crossover Skate Under Your Body

Many players fail to generate enough lateral movement, even when crossing over.

•  You need to drive your non-crossover skate deep under your body to maximize your push and create more lateral shifts.

2. Master Extreme Outside Edge Control

• To execute deep crossovers, you need elite-level control of your outside edge.

• The better your outside edge control, the further under your body you can drive your skate, creating more powerful lateral movement.

3. Increase Your Crossover Frequency in Practice

• The best players in the world average one crossover every three strides.

• Train yourself to move laterally with every puck carry, increasing your crossover ratio over time.

The Bottom Line

Players who skate in a straight line are easy to defend.

Players who shift, cross, and explode laterally are the ones who create space, beat defenders, and control the game.

Master your crossovers, and you’ll become a serious offensive threat.

And always remember:

"Do the common thing uncommonly well."

When you’re ready to elevate your game, here’s how I can help you:

1. Elite private training to provide the 1 on 1 attention you deserve.

2. Spring 2025 clinics for offseason skill development.

3. Summer Camp 2025 to prepare for the upcoming season.

See you on the ice,

Coach Scott Rutherford
(716) 912-4465

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