Figure Skating Terms/Turns

• Turn Definitions
• Spin Definitions
• Jump Definitions

Turns are differentiated by which edges are used to enter/exit the turn, the rotation toward/away from the edge, and whether one foot or both is used (switching from one foot to the other). Since they can be done in both directions (forwards and backwards) this leads to a massive number of combinations! To simplify life I am only giving one example (a RF entrance) per type.

One foot turns:

• Three-turn
  Change directions into the curve while simultaneously changing edges. A RFO three-turn consists of a RFO edge into the turn, a CW turn, and RBI edge after the turn. ( Imagine you are skating in a CW circle. Stand on your right foot and lean to the outside of your foot - that's your RFO edge. Now swivel 180 degrees CW on the ball of your right foot and lean towards your arch, which gives you the RBI edge. Note that doing this on ice *correctly* is difficult!)
  
  
  

• Bracket
  Change directions away from the curve while simultaneously changing edges. In a CW circle, a RFO bracket would consist of a RFO edge into the turn, a CCW turn, and a RBI edge after the turn. (See the above example, but turn the opposite direction. This is even more difficult to do because you are rotating away from the natural flow of your edge.)
  
  
  

• Counter
  This is a combination of a bracket (the entrance) and a three-turn (the exit). This turn should only change directions; there is no edge change on a counter turn. A RFO counter consists of a RFO edge into the turn, a CCW turn, and a RBO edge after the turn. This would mean that instead of continuing around in a CW circle the skater would exit into a CCW circle.
  
  
  

• Rocker
  This is just the opposite of a counter. A three-turn is used for the entrance and the exit is a bracket. There is also no edge change in a rocker. A RFO rocker consists of a RFO edge into the turn, a CW turn, and a RBO edge after the turn. Once again, the skater would exit to a CCW circle.

Two foot turns:

• Mohawk (inside)
  Change directions into the curve with a change of feet, but no edge change; movement continues along the same circle. In a CCW circle, a RFI Mohawk would start on the right foot with a RFI edge into the turn, a CCW turn onto the left foot, with a LBI edge on the exit. The tracings on this turn should resemble a one foot three-turn.

• Mohawk (outside)
  Change directions away from the curve with a change of feet, but no edge change; movement continues along the same circle. In a CW circle, use a RFO edge into the turn, a CCW turn onto the left foot, with a LBO edge on the exit. The tracings on this turn should look similar to a one foot bracket turn.

• Choctaw (inside)
  The entrance for this turn is always a forward inside edge. The skater change directions away from the curve, changes feet, change edges, and the movement exits them to a circle in the opposite direction. Sounds like fun, huh! In a CCW circle the skater leads with a RFI edge, turns CCW onto the left foot, and exits with a LBO edge into a CW circle.

• Choctaw (outside)
  The entrance for this turn is always a forward outside edge. Once again, the skater changes direction away from the curve, changes feet, change edges, and the movement exits to a circle in the opposite direction. Leading with a RFO edge in a CW circle the skater would turn CCW onto their left foot and exit with a LBI edge into a CCW circle.