Technical Focus: Mastering All Four Types of Brackets. As a dedicated coaching team, we understand that Brackets are foundational to advanced footwork and are crucial for competitive success. They require precise edge control and impeccable body discipline. This guide breaks down the technical elements of all four Brackets to help you train effectively.

Core Principles for Consistent Brackets
To achieve clean, powerful Brackets, we instruct every skater to consistently focus on three key areas:

Free Leg Control: The position of the free leg dictates the rotation and stability of the turn. This is your primary balancing and control mechanism.

Shoulder and Arm Discipline: Your upper body acts as the rudder. Maintaining proper, consistent alignment of the shoulders and arms controls the arc of the turn and prevents over-rotation.

Arc Symmetry: The entry and exit arcs must be symmetrical in length and flow. This ensures the bracket is executed as a smooth, transitional element, not a static stop-and-go.

Detailed Technical Breakdown (Revised for Text-Only Format)
We focus on the precise moment of edge and direction change for each bracket:

Forward Outside Bracket (FO → BI): The turn transitions from Forward Outside (FO) to Backward Inside (BI). The turn is executed over the front of the blade (toe area). The free leg swings back and slightly out of the circle on the BI exit. Crucial Point: Avoid any dragging or over-pulling of the blade during the transition.

Forward Inside Bracket (FI → BO): The turn transitions from Forward Inside (FI) to Backward Outside (BO). The turn is executed over the front of the blade. At the BO exit, the torso opens up, and you should feel as though you are "lying back" into the circle to maintain the outside edge correctly. Crucial Point: Ensure a smooth, clean edge change without dragging.

Backward Inside Bracket (BI → FO): The turn transitions from Backward Inside (BI) to Forward Outside (FO). The turn is executed over the back of the blade (heel). Shoulders and arms maintain the "around the circle" posture. Crucial Point: Strictly avoid leaning the torso forward during the turn and exit.

Backward Outside Bracket (BO → FI): The turn transitions from Backward Outside (BO) to Forward Inside (FI). The turn is executed over the back of the blade. Shoulders and arms continue to "hug the circle" for maximum flow. Crucial Point: Maintain the position of the free leg and never drag the blade during the turn.

Elevate Your Performance with Ryabinin Camps
Understanding the theory is the first step; applying it consistently under qualified supervision is where real progress happens.

If you are ready to master Brackets and all core figure skating elements, we invite you to train with our team:

International Figure Skating Camps: Join us in premier European locations for intensive on-ice training, where we use video analysis and specialized equipment to perfect your technique.

Online Training Classes: Maintain your conditioning and technical focus with our expert-led off-ice classes via ZOOM.

Book your spot now and take the next significant step in your figure skating journey!