It is not a matter of doing it right it is just an activity to make a point.

Try stropping a kitchen knife on rolled up single sheet of newspaper.

The roll will be narrow so it mandates an x-stroke.

The roll is tender so it mandates a gentle touch or it will collapse.

If you want to strop a kitchen knife to improve the edge take almost the entire Sunday
paper and roll it up into a big heavy solid log that would hurt if someone whacked
you with it.

You can also take common cardboard and cut a 2-1/2 inch strip to strop on.
Slowly practice the motions and if you get it wrong you cut trash cardboard
not a $90 great leather strop.