Backward Roller Skating Crossovers/Crosspulls 

The way you skate is so heavenly. You’re one of those people I’d sit and watch skate at the rink after I’ve fallen 50 times

Re: Expectations. What has helped me to level set my expectations is to embrace the "suck". It's part of the journey towards mastery. I started skating 7 months ago at the age of 55. When I first started, I could barely stand up and was sweating bullets trying to maintain my posture. Today, I can skate forwards and backwards and do some basic transitions. I skate with people that have been at this, in some cases, for over 30 years. They are amazing. However, I would be foolish to compare my 7 month journey with their 30 year journey. What I can do is compare my self of 7 months ago to my skating today. I'm getting better (and have been told so) I'm much more confident and eager to get better. I'm realizing that this is a lifestyle that demands commitment, and practice, in order to see improvement Thought that I would throw this into the pot. Thank you for all that you do. I appreciate you!

I need a skate date with Dirty Debra😘🕺🏾

Admit it...who else liked the video before it even started? LOL I'm weird on my backwards crossovers. No matter which way I'm going, I always cross left behind right. Working on it, but..eh...I'm moving (flying, really) so....it works for me. Proper form or not! LOL Trying to teach my girls how to do it correctly, but they laugh at me because I can't, but they're still at the bubbles/scissors stage so....I've got time to work on doing it properly. Can't wait to hit the rink Saturday. Hubby even started coming with us again - and ordered himself some new skates - this week! (I'm also now up to 6 1/2 pairs...I REALLY need to get my shoe skates done....have all the parts and everything now, just haven't put the plates on the shoes yet. LOL)

Your motivational speech made me tear up, your life advice is so inspiring. I love it just as much as the tutorial part.

Wow... I needed this motivation. I practice outside all the time and I can do things fine. But as soon as I hit a rink (especially if it’s busy) I freeze up and can’t do anything I did outside, it’s so embarrassing and it has been killing my outlook on skating. I appreciate you and these videos so much 🌹and you better believe I’m not giving up until I’m amazing lol

Thank you!! I've been waiting for this! Your speech at the end was really heartfelt, and we older people who used to skate, until life got in the way and are looking to pick it up again, really needed that! 😃 Last time I skated it was almost like my body had a disconnect from my skate brain and I couldn't understand what changed! Thank you for taking the time to explain!

❤thanks for the end message. As someone who struggles with a.d.h.d. this is important. I got on skates for the first time, at 5 years old. A particularly nervous concept for my mom, as I also struggle with lazy eye amblyopia. I learned a little, until the incredibly old skates I learned on finaly broke. Never getting replaced until I was 8, then grew out of those in a single summer. I didn't put on skates again until I was 16. My first and only ever pair of inlines. I used them 6 times and gave up. Here I am now, at age 42, quit a 30 year smoking habit, and got inspired to try again when I walked into a skate apparel shop, and found some impala quads. My last eye exam says I'm at high risk for glaucoma, and I now struggle with arthritis. Probably should've walked by those quads, but, instead I bought them. When I got home, it was 12:00am. (Wait, it gets better, I promise) so, here was a 42 year old, leagaly blind lady, in carpal braces and bifocals, in the dark, on fresh pavement, looking like a little kid, smiling wide, sailing over the road like I never took them off. I can recall so many times I hated myself for never wanting to practice backwards skating. These are great tools you've given me, and with the years I've accumulated, my a.d.h.d. will be easier to manage, as I can now focus on these drills!🎉 As long as I can be safer than to try cruising around in the dark, like some kind of nut job.😅thanks again!❤

It's 1:15am right now. Idk how I ended up here but I'm glad I am lol

I’m learning so much and gettin pulled into this brand new world (for me)!!! Thank you Ms. Debbie😁😍😘

I love the lesson on cross pulls which I’m organically learning as a result of practicing backwards skating. Just sorta came to me and I decided to look up your vid on technique and realized I’m already doing it! Not flawlessly yet but getting there. Thank you so much for pep talk. I’m 54 years old and one of those people (as you described) coming back to skating after a 30+ year hiatus. I used to roller skate weekly as a kid and absolutely loved it. I got reacquainted in 2016 at a friends bday party at FVSC! Only in the past year have I made a real commitment to practice at my local basketball courts. Backwards skating was something I could never do but I never really made the commitment to learn. I currently practice 4 days a week for an hour at a time and I’m starting to see and feel the results. It is definitely a journey and should be enjoyed that way. Like you said, I have friends that are really impressed by my “skills” which I currently view as “Ok” but I’m careful not to fall into the trap of comparing myself to others who are more advanced. For anyone reading, we ALL start somewhere. We don’t hit a home run on the first swing so don’t give up. Be all in for YOU and the joy this wonderful activity brings us. Thank you for all your great vids.

Hi Deborah, Just want to thank you for all the tutorials, I have been watching them non stop. I have only been skating now for 3 hours in total, and have pretty much mastered scissors front and switching skating forward to backwards. I have just started trying to skate backwards after the transition. I am sure I wouldnt have progressed this quickly without your tutorials so thank you ✌🤙👋👍 Keep up the good work. Lee(UK)

Someone make a clip of her pep talk about losing motivation so I can share with the world, please. And to.... Deborah, thank you for all your hard work that you’ve put out on video for us. 🥰

OMG Deborah! Just wanted to say thank you for the encouragement at the end of this vid. I was one of those who had gotten discouraged but got back at it. Thank you Thank You Thank You for sharing your gift with us.

One - I've been trying to do this wrong, thank you for the thorough overview. Two - I have DEFINITELY been coming to session with my arms out announcing "I'M DOING CROSSPULLS NOW". My bad.

Ummmmmm this woman’s energy is what the world needs. I’m going to binge and then go skate until I move like her!

I love your videos. I started Roller Derby last year as a complete beginner and your videos have helped me loads recently. I'm often heard saying "down with the butt and up with the gut" 😂 I love what you've put at the end of this one. I'm 46 and just had my first major confidence wobble but you've put things into perspective and I can see how far I've come in a year, especially recently having done my first rookie scrim... you're approach is great. Thank you 😍

You gorgeous, talented lady. You're on my bucket list.. one day I'm coming to visit you!

I've been skating for years. I'm 53. Been skating since I was about 7-8 and your attention to detail is the best I've ever seen. Great Job.

Omg Dirty. I needed this video today. I was really focusing last night on cross pulls, I struggle with them. I have now learned from your video my weight placement has been so wrong. I can’t Wait to try out this technique.

That was magical!!! T^T. The crosspulls slowly unfolded! Thank you Debbie ☺️💗

Really like this video, started back skating again for exercise. I'm in my early 60's and admit was a shock to the system as I was quite good when I was younger LOL. As this lovely lady says, I will stick with it and get better !!

Love the motivational boost at the end. I practice a lot but it always surprises me just how much you need to keep practicing until you get one "AHA" moment and a move/drill comes together. When that happens, I feel amazing and it keeps me going. I first skated in high school and then - pause - started back at 55. I don't plan on stopping. It's a blast and your videos/tutorials are the best. And you crack me up every time I watch.

Thanks Debbie, at 56 and not been on the rink for 35 years, it was a lil scary to get on the floor again for the first time in so long. . I have been back 2 times to the rink. First time I was so nervous mainly because I could not find a pair of skates to fit and my feet were so sore and in pain. So I am buying my own. I like that you emphasize in many of your videos its a life time journey. That is important to grasp and actually a peaceful and exciting concept. Some where some of us got this thing in our head that its just for young folk... not so....

Thank You so much for the encouraging words at the end! As an older person getting into skating I can totally relate! Some days are like two steps forward one step back. But I keep showing up and having fun!!

Your advice spoke to my heart! I felt like that was a personal phone call I made, expressing how much I’m struggling with skating! Thank you with all of my skate loving heart ♥️

You're pep talk literally made me cry. I really needed that, thanks Debra

THIS IS ALL IVE EVER WANTED TO LEARN Ssjshsshs like I see figure skaters do this and it’s the only thing I’ve ever been so jealous of omfg thank you

Perfect timing on this video!! I've watched a ton of how to do backwards crossovers in the past 2 days and your vid is by far the most comprehensive one on you tube. And like you mentioned, i, too, used to roller and ice skate as a kid/teen and just a couple of months ago got back on skates because I've always wanted to do roller derby.....crazy, i know. Im 55 yrs old and yes, it can be done with practice! I've never had so much fun on skates! Learning so much twice a week at practice and learning techniques from you has been amazing. Keep it up, girl and thank you for what you do here on you tube. Would love to see you do some derby breakdowns some time!!

just bought my first pair of sure grip roller skates! they’re coming in a few days i’ve been binging your videos i’m so excited

I loved your motivational talk. I took up roller skating at the age of 49. I'm shortly turning 52. I have always had an active lifestyle since childhood but just wasn't interested in any particular sport. When I discovered roller skating, I said to my partner, "I've found my sport." I love it so much and I know I will be doing it my whole life. I reached my modest goal of being a safe, recreational skater and everything on top of this is a bonus, and there are so many more little skills that I keep accruing. Your videos are wonderful, Deborah. Thank you!

I was working on this with my husband but I could not wrap my brain around it lol and then I watched this video and it just clicked. Thank you so much, your the best!

Thank you so much for breaking it down! No other video explained it better than you did.

This is so helpful. Just got back into skating and taught myself to go backwards so this is my next step. Love how confident you are on your skates.

dirty, you are always so wise and spot on. i always feel self-conscious when i skate outside in a park or something, and i think people think i look stupid practicing my scissors or cross-pulls or whatever. but one time i overheard a group of women who were watching me and they were actually saying: "oh, that looks like fun but i could never do it, i'd break my neck" and "yeah, me neither, my balance sucks." so you're right, people are just impressed with anyone willing to try skating even if some of us look like baby giraffes. :-)

Thanks for the video, I’ve been skating for about 7 years now and learned most of my skating from people at the rink. Going back and relearning some of this stuff has helped me clean up my skating a lot and made me more confident in almost every aspect of my skating. New Skaters!!!!!! Let your expectations go, just take it step by step like Dirty said, nobody in their right mind is going to judge you for practice mechanics. All good skaters had to at some point to get where they are. Don’t be afraid ask someone at the rink for help. I’ve learned so much from the skaters at my rink and everyone is usually eager to help if you ask. We fall, we all mess up. Even the best of the best. Stay with it, Keep going, and the best part with the skate community is the journey and the people you meet along the way! Have fun, stay safe, everyone! Xoxo

I'm going to fountain Valley next Monday and I'm super excited

I grew up skating and even used to compete! I just recently got back into it since my younger sister showed interest. Loving your videos! ❤

I just love you!! Thank you for motivating me to keep going!! I am 48, I got skates in March 2021 for my bday because I got skate fever again! I have even motivated some of my friends to get skating again. The rink we had where I live (Crystal Palace) in Hot Springs, AR, was closed a few months ago and torn down! 😫 I skate in my garage , on my street and I have even gone to the parking lot of my High School for more room! I love how you explain all the mechanics! I hope to become more fluid and less clunky! I watch your vids over and over and over and over... and oh yeah, over and over and... you get it. Thanks for all you do and all the time you put into these videos! *shnacks 😂 you crack me up with that one!

Not only do I learn and get more confidence from these videos, but I just feel better about myself in general ~ thank you dirty deborah harry ~

Hi Deby, after practising a couple of weeks I manage to make a few of these. Its super fun. I am so happy with my progress in skates. Definitely because of you. THANK YOU

Debbie Girl, You so dayum BOMB!!!! I feel like I'm definetly gonna be back in the groove with practice and your tutorials! Thanks, Girl!

I am 49 years old. I haven't really skated since I was about 14. Before that I LIVED on my skates. I always wanted to be able to do crossovers and backwards crossovers and never knew how. I just bought a new pair of skates (Moxi Lolly) with indoor wheels 95a. I'm going to relearn how to skate the basics using these "old" bones. Strengthen my ankles and knees up (and terrible inner thighs). Then I WILL learn how to do this! This backward crossover is my first BIG goal. Thank you for such good instructions! (~she believed she could so she did~)

I really needed to hear that last bit today! Feeling very demotivated as I watch newbies overtake me (literally) at the rink. I have reinstated my daily drill sessions and hoping to make steady progress this year whilst concentrating on technique trusting that my style will follow!

You're a really good teacher...im gonna be a great skater...eventually!😃

Hi DDH! Just stumbled onto your channel trying to find something on roller skating for one of my co-workers to watch. I've been skating since the 70s and I gotta admit, you're one of the best teachers I've ever seen discuss skating techniques! Definitely will be pointing her to your channel and subscribing myself. The way my mom taught me to 'take the corner' backwards was first learning how to continuously turn your shoulder, pick up your feet and cross left over right then right over left, pushing off the back foot to keep moving in a straight line and keep going around the turn. It probably helped me to learn my edges and to push off the back food and because I'm from Chicago, you gotta smooth it out. Great video and I'm looking forward to the next one!!

I am older and getting back to skating. Taking it slow, building skill, watching lots of videos and wearing lots of safety gear. I can feel myself getting better each time. Don't give up. I love the feeling- being active, outdoors and growing in my abilities everyday. It's such a mood booster and confidence builder!!!

You’re the sweetest motivator and a really good teacher! So much fun to watch!!🤟

Just subscribed, I'm so excited to get back into skating.

1:43 yall saw her stop on her toes like that ohMyGod

Your pep talk at the end is exactly what I needed. Thank you. #motivated #skatebrain

This was exactly the video I needed to get my head around why it is very counter intuitive for me to do backward crossovers! ...many many thanks!

Ooooooh. Good, I needed this video!

Thanks for making me feel better about how I skate, I will get better. But I am better at inline.

I love your motivational talk !! I do need this kind of talk every now and then ! So good !

Thank you soft the reminder motivation chat!! Today was a day i really needed it! You really do listen to your audience!

Great tutorial! Haha, I like the ending. I never noticed the background noise from the games.

I need more advice on the art of being OKAY WITH FALLING (and sometimes biffing out big time!). I bought jam skates a couple of months ago and have fallen with great thudding distinction twice & once with a strange and beautiful type of rolly-polly maneuver that I still can't quite explain. Bam & I got right back up onto my spinny feet. I basically fell into a standing position in my kitchen! I've been rocking wrist guards for sure after the first spill but, seriously am I just biting off too much as far as learning techniques? Honestly one of my kaplowies was me grapevining in a parking deck, so I earned that one. What is typical, what is overzealous, & what is appropriate for someone just wanting to glide around in all directions like a beautiful baby bat dancing in the sky at dusk?

Always a great video! Nice also the "motivation talk"! You'right! There is no reason to give up in skating, no matter level and age!

You're amazing Deborah. I've just started with my 6yo daughter. I'm 50 on July and I used to skate when I was a little girl, only forward 😅. I wish I could meet you but I'm in Spain, so a little too faraway. I'm so thankful for your kindness, your classes are awesome and I understand your English so I can't ask for more. Wish you all the best ❤

You are sooooooo good!!

I went skating for the 1st time in 23 years yesterday! I used to be quite good....i def lost my balance over the years ....skated for 2 hours and my legs were jello! I did have a blast tho

Your videos are the best. I love how you really break it all down into simple steps and explain exactly where your weight should be on each foot. Thank you!!!

I'm 43!!! First time on quads!!!... very happy !!! I already learn how to do the original!! And the downtown #5 !.....I'm thril!!! That I can do it!!!!still not flowy as I want....but getting there thanks to you!!!! You are so nice!!!!soooooo happy!!! Becouse you teach me how to do it!!!!!thanks 💘💘!!!

Hey your the best!

Can you do a video on proper wheels and skate trucks for dance skating

Thank you so much for that pep talk at the end of this video! It was such good timing. I went to the skate park yesterday and had one of those moments where I was like, what I am doing here?!?!? All I am able to do is practice pumping on the half pipe because I am too scared to try anything else just yet and I was feeling so silly surrounded by teenage skateboarders. I know I still have a lot to practice on the ground so I came back to this video. I do think I am improving but my progress is slow. Thank you for your encouraging words and all of your videos, they have been incredibly helpful.

I'm 52 years old I used to skate when I was young. Im disabled but I want to start skating again! Thank you!

Debra! Can you teach us around the world or some other dance skate moves?

I have a question, when I’m trying to backwards skate I lean too far forward and lose my balance. I’m not really sure what I’m doing wrong, but I’m still on the scissors stage of backwards skating, slowly getting better.

I love how you give different levels of practice and such exact posture instruction. Soooo grateful for all you do!

Thank you thank you thank you. I really needed the motivational speech. I’m 45 and starting to skate again after 35 years. My city doesn’t have a roller rink and I’m sneaking onto tennis courts when the weather is okay. I feel alone in my endeavor, and as a mom who manages 2 kids and works full time, it’s hard to get my skates every day. I will practice when I can and I will try to keep the expectations of myself in reality. Thank you so much!!!!!

All right, Listen Up!! 😍😁 Yes Deb, I'm listening. Down with the the gut, up with the butt.

Yooooo, 16:01 how in the world?!

I really especially love the context you give in setting our own expectations and being conscious of appreciating the process of learning! Love your videos and teaching style!

Thank you so much for your words of encouragement!! Since I came across your page I try and practice 2 times a week for like 2 hours!!

I think I need a tutorial of how to not crash into others while going fast at the rink as they suddenly fall or get in the way😂

Love how she can stop on a dime!

simply the best teacher in the cyberspace!!! Thanks Debbie 💜💜

Thank you so much Debora, for the lessons, for the hints, for the kind words, for everything. You're an angel with "wheels" haha

I am learning to skate at derby training in Australia and can i just say that i love your videos. When I'm struggling to get a hold of something, i look it up and you pop up and 9 times out of 10 it improves my skating. You explain things so well and go over the important small steps that often are missed. You're so easy to watch and to listen to, it makes a 20 minute video feel like no time at all. Thank you. Plus, you're a beautiful skater and have a wonderful personality ✨️

I've been skating for two years and play roller derby but I still love watching your videos because they're always so helpful and just so darn fun to watch! I wish you much success with your channel!

This video is so great! Thank you for the straightforward steps to crossover backwards. Thank you for your talk at the end. I hope that I could take a class from you in the future. I live in Canada.

That pep talk toward end was so good. Thank you 💕

I ate up the entire video. Deborah you make me feel so great about skating. Thank you for being yourself.

Love your videos and I love your words of encouragement. I'm 38 and just started skating (haven't skated since I was a kid). It's hard but so fun and you're so right about persistence

After hours dim the lights and watch u move with the right soundtrack SOOOO SENSUAL!

I'm just returning to skating again. I'm 60 years old and remembering what I used to do. Two weeks already and I've been rejuvenated. Lol. Thank you for your time making this video. I'm having the best time of my life. Again! Lol

Thanks this has helped. I now know I need to get comfortable backwards 1 foot gliding as that’s where I stumble when trying to do these 😊

Your vids and teaching helps me so much!!! Love ya Debbie!!

Hypnotizing video! Been skating for a year..hoping I will be able to stake backwards this year..pratice & patience !you've broken it down so well. Thank you xxx

I have loved Dirty Debra and her videos. She is a GEM.

My 13 year old daughter & I adore your channel. Thank you! 💜💗

Doing a fantastic job..I'd say one of the best teachers...nails it my Mrs coming on loads now.. thx deb

You are amazingly awesome! I've learned a lot from you and these great videos! I'm currently working on my backward crosspulls and getting better every day. Thank you so much and please keep the videos coming!

I joined my local roller derby team and always find myself watching your videos because they are so helpful and entertaining! Thank you!

Oh wow! I felt like you were talking to me there at the end. I’m so glad I started watching your videos well before I got brave enough to venture out to the skating rink. Even though I was super nervous, I felt like I knew what to work on, and I was skating with specific goals in mind rather than flying blind. Since I was already comfortable skating backwards, I didn’t do much of that. I focused on becoming more relaxed while shifting my weight and finding my edges when skating forward.

Brilliant breakdown and step by step teaching! It's probably been said before, but you are the Professor of Skatetology! Thanks for making it understandable!

As always, thanks for this video. Loved the words of encouragement. You are a phenomenal teacher and I've learned so much from you in the last two weeks. I keep coming back for more videos and telling all my friends.

You are quite a wonderful human being inside and out… thank you for your words of wisdom! Best wishes and hugs 🤗