Nathan AnthonyTurning smoothly on the ice isn’t just about looking graceful—it’s about mastering your edges, developing stability, and learning how to shift your weight with precision. Whether you’re a beginner trying to stay upright or an experienced skater wanting tighter, cleaner turns, improving your turning control is a total game-changer.
In this guide, we’ll walk through 7 ice skating training moves to improve turning control, complete with detailed steps, practical drills, and helpful links to skating resources.
Let’s dive in.
Understanding the Importance of Turning Control in Ice Skating
Why Control Matters for All Skill Levels
Turning is at the center of nearly everything we do on the ice—basic curves, crossovers, choreography, speed changes, and advanced spins all rely on strong edge control. Without it, even simple moves feel unstable.
Turning control allows you to:
- Skate faster with confidence
- Transition between skills smoothly
- Maintain balance during advanced combinations
- Build stronger edge work for jumps and spins
If you’re just getting started, you can explore foundations at:
👉 Beginner Basics
👉 Learn-to-Skate Resources
Common Mistakes Skaters Make When Turning
Before practicing new techniques, it helps to understand where many skaters slip up. Typical turning mistakes include:
- Leaning the wrong way
- Turning with upper body instead of edges
- Not bending the knees enough
- Skating on flat blades
- Looking down instead of ahead
If these sound familiar, don’t worry—they’re fixable with practice and the right techniques.
Explore technique basics here:
👉 Technique & Skills
Essential Foundations Before Practicing Turning Moves
Proper Skates, Gear & Equipment
Your turning control starts before you even step on the ice. The right gear gives your movements stability, grip, and responsiveness.
Browse recommended equipment:
👉 Gear & Equipment
👉 Protective Equipment
Blade Edges and Sharpening
Your edges matter—a lot. Dull blades make it nearly impossible to hold curves or control turns. Keep them sharpened regularly and learn about blade care:
👉 Blade Care
Body Alignment and Posture Basics
Turning control depends heavily on posture.
- Shoulders relaxed
- Knees bent
- Core engaged
- Head facing the direction of travel
- Weight placed over the skating hip
These fundamentals help you stay stable during advanced moves.
Training Move #1: Forward Outside Edges
Forward outside edges teach you how to glide on one foot while maintaining balance on the outer edge of your blade—one of the most essential skills for controlled turns.
How This Move Improves Turning Control
Mastering outside edges helps you:
- Lean correctly into turns
- Develop precision in curves
- Strengthen ankle stability
- Build confidence for combination turns
Step-by-Step Practice Guide
- Start with both feet on the ice, knees bent.
- Shift weight to the working leg.
- Push off gently into a half-circle curve.
- Lean slightly inside the circle while holding the edge.
- Maintain arm extension for balance.
This is a core part of edge work—explore more here:
👉 Edge Work
Training Move #2: Forward Inside Edges
Forward inside edges teach you to carve smooth curves while balancing on the inside edge of the blade.
Fine-Tuning Balance and Precision
Inside edges are essential for tight turns, agility, and improved control during footwork sequences.
Drills to Strengthen Inside Edges
Try these drills:
- Alternating inside slaloms
- One-foot inside spirals
- Edge holding for 3–5 seconds
Useful for beginners:
👉 Beginner Tips
Training Move #3: Backward Outside Edges
Backward outside edges help skaters develop control when moving in reverse—crucial for backward turns, transitions, and advanced choreography.
Building Reverse-Turning Stability
Backward skating often feels intimidating, but outside edges give you the ability to lean into curves naturally.
Common Errors and How to Fix Them
- Avoid looking down—use peripheral vision.
- Keep your hips under you to prevent wobbling.
- Engage your core for stability.
Training Move #4: Backward Inside Edges
Why Backward Inside Edges Matter for Advanced Skaters
These edges are used in mohawks, three turns, and advanced footwork. They help build smooth transitions and fluidity during backward-to-forward movements.
Practice Techniques for Better Edge Control
- Practice small inside-edge circles
- Keep shoulders aligned with the circle
- Use deep knee bends for stronger edge engagement
More advanced guides:
👉 Advanced Performance
👉 Advanced Skills
Training Move #5: Crossovers (Forward & Backward)
Crossovers link edges together while adding speed and power.
Improving Agility and Speed Through Turns
Crossovers tighten your turning radius and help accelerate smoothly in curves.
Forward Crossover Drills
- Step-over cross technique
- Push-under drills
- Power-circle crossovers
Backward Crossover Drills
- Shoulder-lead backward circles
- Crossover looping
- Power-position glides
Explore speed and agility tags:
👉 Agility
👉 Speed
Training Move #6: Three Turns (Forward to Backward)
Three turns help you switch directions while staying on one foot—a major milestone for balance and turning accuracy.
Why Three Turns Are Important for Turning Control
Three turns teach:
- Weight shifting
- Edge transition
- Turning with precision
- Strong body alignment
Techniques for Smooth Transitions
- Keep shoulders quiet
- Turn with the hips, not the arms
- Lift the toe pick slightly to avoid scraping
Explore more technique tips:
👉 Skating Tips
Training Move #7: Mohawks
Mohawks teach smooth foot placement during direction changes.
How Mohawks Improve Turning Flow
Mohawks connect forward and backward edges, making them essential for footwork sequences, dance moves, and transitions.
Step-By-Step Mohawk Breakdown
- Start on a forward inside edge.
- Rotate hips outward.
- Place the new skating foot on the inside edge.
- Step onto it while turning backward.
- Hold the edge with soft knee bends.
Perfect for developing control:
👉 Turning Skills
Additional Tips to Boost Turning Control
Off-Ice Strength & Agility Workouts
Turning requires strong legs, flexible hips, and stable cores. Try:
- Balance board exercises
- Hip mobility routines
- Plyometric jumps
- Resistance band lateral steps
Explore workouts:
👉 Workout Tips
Practice Frequency & Smart Training
The more often you practice, the more natural turning becomes.
- Practice 3–4 times weekly
- Alternate edge work and technique drills
- Record your progress
- Work with a coach
Coach-related resources:
👉 Coaching
Conclusion
Mastering turning control in ice skating takes time, patience, and consistent practice—but once you start feeling those edges glide smoothly beneath you, everything becomes more enjoyable. These 7 ice skating training moves will drastically improve your turning ability, balance, and confidence on the ice, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced skater.
Keep practicing, stay patient with yourself, and embrace every wobble as part of the journey. Want more resources? Explore the full collection at:
👉 Racine Ice Center
FAQs
1. How long does it take to improve turning control?
Most skaters notice improvement within 2–4 weeks of consistent practice.
2. Are inside or outside edges harder to master?
Outside edges typically feel harder at first because they require more ankle stability.
3. Should beginners practice three turns?
Yes—just start with slow, controlled attempts to learn the correct positioning.
4. Why do I wobble during backward edges?
Wobbling usually comes from leaning too far back or stiffening the upper body.
5. How often should I sharpen my blades?
Every 20–30 hours of skating, depending on ice quality and personal preference.
6. Are crossovers useful outside of figure skating?
Absolutely—they help hockey players, recreational skaters, and speed skaters too.
7. What’s the best move to start improving turning control?
Forward outside edges—they build core balance and proper leaning technique.