ONE ACADEMY · TURNS + LOOPS

Control the edge.
Shape the turn.

Learn the body positions, edge control, wheel positions and timing behind figure skating turns and loops.

Start with the four loop lessons, then return as the Turns + Loops library continues to grow.

EXPLORE THE LIBRARY

GROWING LIBRARY
01 AVAILABLE
Loops

Forward Outside, Forward Inside, Backward Outside and Backward Inside Loops.

EXPLORE LOOPS
02 GROWING LIBRARY
Turns

Individual turn lessons will be added here as the library continues to grow.

MORE LESSONS COMING

TURNS + LOOPS · LOOPS

Four edges.
Four loops.

Each loop uses a different relationship between the edge, wheel position, arms, free leg and body.

Learn them individually first. Practice both directions, then begin connecting loops once the shape and balance become controlled.

LOOPS · LESSON 01

Forward Outside Loop

01

WHAT YOU ARE LEARNING

Create a Forward Outside Loop while staying on the center two wheels and coordinating the skating-side arm and free leg around the complete curve.

COACH'S POINTS

  1. Stay on the center two wheels throughout the loop.
  2. Keep the skating knee soft rather than locking the leg.
  3. Begin with the same arm and leg working together. On the right foot, the right arm and right leg work together.
  4. Hold the free leg behind you through the first part of the loop.
  5. Stay supported over the skating leg while allowing the body to lean slightly into the circle.
  6. Around halfway through, allow the free leg and arm to travel around together.
  7. Let the body lead the direction rather than forcing the frame around underneath you.
  8. Aim for a clear loop shape rather than allowing the element to collapse into a small circle.
  9. Practice both directions.

BUILD THE LOOP

01

Establish the forward outside edge on the center two wheels.

02

Hold the opening arm and free-leg position through the first half.

03

Bring the arm and free leg around together as you pass halfway.

04

Complete the outside edge and skate cleanly out.

EXERCISE · CONNECTED LOOPS

Once one Forward Outside Loop is controlled, try connecting several on the same foot. Bring the arms inward enough to support the repeated rotation while keeping each loop on a clear outside edge.

LOOPS · LESSON 02

Forward Inside Loop

02

WHAT YOU ARE LEARNING

Create a Forward Inside Loop on the back two wheels while coordinating the opposite arm, skating leg and free leg through the inside edge.

COACH'S POINTS

  1. Begin with the opposite arm to the skating leg forward.
  2. On the right foot, begin with the left arm forward. On the left foot, begin with the right arm forward.
  3. Stay on the back two wheels through the loop.
  4. Staying on the back two wheels does not mean leaning your body backward.
  5. Keep your body supported over the skating foot while remaining inside the curve.
  6. Hold the opening position through the first half rather than rotating immediately.
  7. During the second half, rotate the arms and allow the free leg to come through.
  8. The arm and free leg should travel together as the loop finishes.
  9. A little forward speed can make the loop easier while learning.
  10. Practice both directions.

BUILD THE LOOP

01

Push onto the forward inside edge with the opposite arm forward.

02

Settle on the back two wheels while keeping the body supported over the skating foot.

03

Hold the first half, then bring the arms and free leg through during the second half.

04

Complete the inside edge and skate out under control.

COMMON MISTAKE

Do not confuse skating on the back two wheels with leaning backward. Your wheel contact can move back while your body remains supported over the skate.

LOOPS · LESSON 03

Backward Outside Loop

03

WHAT YOU ARE LEARNING

Create a Backward Outside Loop while staying on the center two wheels and timing the opening position and free-leg movement around the outside edge.

COACH'S POINTS

  1. Stay on the center two wheels throughout the loop.
  2. Do not allow your weight to move forward onto the EDGE pick as the curve tightens.
  3. Prepare the upper body before initiating the loop.
  4. Use the arms to help establish the direction without throwing the shoulders around independently.
  5. Hold the opening position briefly before bringing the free leg through.
  6. Allow the free leg to travel around during the second part of the loop.
  7. Keep the body supported over the skating foot as the radius becomes smaller.
  8. One direction may feel much easier than the other. That is normal, but both should still be practiced.

BUILD THE LOOP

01

Establish the backward outside edge on the center two wheels.

02

Set the opening arm and free-leg position.

03

Initiate the loop, hold briefly, then bring the free leg through.

04

Complete the outside edge without falling forward onto the EDGE pick.

EXERCISE · BREAK IT DOWN

Practice the first part without trying to complete the loop. Push onto the backward outside edge, find the opening position and hold it. Then repeat and add the free leg coming through. This separates the initiation from the finish.

LOOPS · LESSON 04

Backward Inside Loop

04

WHAT YOU ARE LEARNING

Create a Backward Inside Loop on the center two wheels and learn when to bring the arm and free leg through as the inside edge tightens.

COACH'S POINTS

  1. Stay on the center two wheels throughout the loop.
  2. Begin with the same arm and skating leg working together.
  3. Push onto the backward inside edge and hold the opening position.
  4. Allow the edge to carry you around before moving the free leg.
  5. You will reach a point where the original body position cannot continue around the curve.
  6. Just before that point, bring the arm and free leg through.
  7. Stay slightly into the circle while remaining supported over the skating leg.
  8. When practicing from almost standstill, putting the free foot down is fine if you run out of momentum.
  9. Add more movement only after you understand when the arm and free leg need to change position.
  10. Practice both directions.

BUILD THE LOOP

01

Push onto the backward inside edge and hold the opening position.

02

Let the edge carry you around on the center two wheels.

03

Just before the original position runs out of room, bring the arm and free leg through.

04

Complete the inside edge and skate out under control.

EXERCISE · FIND THE TIMING

Start from almost standstill. Push onto the inside edge and hold the opening position for as long as possible. Notice the point where you either need to put the free foot down or change the body position. That is the moment to begin bringing the arm and free leg through.

EXERCISE · CONTINUOUS LOOPS

Once one Backward Inside Loop is controlled, use the exit to initiate another along a straight line. Repeat the same pattern of push, hold, bring through and exit.

LOOP REFERENCE

Know where you are
on the frame.

01
Forward Outside

On the center two wheels.

02
Forward Inside

On the back two wheels.

03
Backward Outside

On the center two wheels.

04
Backward Inside

On the center two wheels.