Linear Crossovers Rolling

"Linear Crossovers" have become very well-known in recent years, especially when describing the skating of Connor McDavid. "Linear Crossovers" are performed by straightening out your arc or path, rather than by turning aggressively as with "Lateral Crossovers." If you become proficient at this skill, you will be able to skate in a straight line while doing continuous crossovers. When combined with effective "Lateral Crossovers," these "Linear Crossovers" allow you to turn with as much or as little arc as you desire. Many people believe that "Linear Crossovers" are faster than straight line stride, but this is not the main reason they are advantageous. Most often, the reason for the advantage created by "Linear Crossovers" is due to the variability and efficiency of the change of direction. It is also more deceptive, as your direction changes are less obvious, thus creating time and space when defenders are delayed in their response. We use the term "Rolling" to differentiate from stickhandling. For this skill, we want to keep the puck to the side in a puck protected position, as we simulate attacking an open seam using linear crossovers.