First, isn’t it comical how many responses there have been to this particular article? I’m loving it, but I am still surprised.

You also remind me about a couple of things that I recall from way, way back in my past…

I can remember being away from the game for a time, and then trying to come back in a senior league (more than a little overweight and a lot out of shape). The interesting part about that is that my game got better and I got faster as I trimmed down and did some between-skate workouts. And, that’s something I’m going to be talking to Jerrry Z about over coming weeks and months.

Even funnier… Probably a decade or so ago, after having been away from competitive skating for a long time, I was asked to play in a celebrity game (against a lot of the old Boston Bruins and other former pro stars). What I found really surprising — and very satisfying — was that I was thinking the game better (from 30-ish years of coaching), even though — as you say, my body did not want to “follow suit”!

Then, if I had to add my 2-cents worth here, it might be my belief that learning “tricks for falling” only helps when the fall is expected. As you and I know, however, too many spills send us out of control — to fall in awkward ways, mainly because we never did expect them.

And, while I’m saddened a bit by your fear of a head injury, I’ll suggest you invest in the best helmet you can find, adjust it properly, and then free your mind as best you can. Hey, the idea is to have fun when you play.

Thanks again for those comments.

My coach has taught me tricks for falling and at least now I’m comfortable enough that I’m not constantly obsessing about the possibility of hitting my head. But somehow I think no matter how well I learn to skate, there will always be part of me that’s just a little conservative. …’cause I know too much.

That said, let me suggest that you go back and take a browse through all of the posts I’ve made concerning Jerry Z and In-line Skating. (http://www.coachchic.com/category/skills/in-line_roller-hockey/)

Don’t let the “In-line” part of that detract from its value for “ice skaters”, although in-line training would help you tremendously when/if weather permits. Actually, in-lining solves one of your problems right there, because there is obviously a lack of ice-time in your area.

I also want to point-out — to you and other members — that I volunteered to take-on Jerry Z for a number of reasons. And, as it pertains to someone in your circumstances, I think just following my thought processes as i deal with each of Jerry’s problems should help you and others troubleshoot your own.

Finally (and this is a huge part of what I hope for in soliciting Comments), I think I’m going to try to put something together for you over the next few days. I think I can write a helpful article and perhaps gather some video that will solve your discomfort in executing cross-overs. So, thanks again for that, Scott!

The only solution I can see is to spend practice time dedicated just to skating, and for adult rec players that’s next to impossible.