What is crossfire in team roping?

Crossfire is a common mistake that occurs in team roping when the header delivers a head shot and the heeler throws a heel shot, but the heeler's loop passes over the steer's back and catches the header's horse or the header himself. This results in a no-time for the team.

Crossfire can happen if the heeler throws too early or too late, if the header misses the shot and the heeler throws anyway, or if the header misses and the heeler attempts to correct by throwing in a different direction.

To avoid crossfire, team ropers must have good communication and timing. The header must make a clean catch and deliver a consistent shot, while the heeler must track the steer and time their throw correctly to avoid catching the header or their horse.

Team ropers often practice to improve their coordination and timing to prevent crossfire and improve their chances of a successful run.