Rocker Turn: Technique Guide from Ryabinin Camps

The Rocker Turn (Крюк) is one of the key and technically demanding one-foot turns in figure skating. Mastering it is critically important for achieving high quality in step sequences and a better component score. This element allows a 180-degree change in the direction of travel without changing the edge, but with a change in the circle (arc) of movement.

The training and online session center Ryabinin Camps offers you a detailed guide on practicing this element, based on many years of experience in training skaters.

Preliminary Exercise (Optional)

For a better feel for body control and coordination, you can start with the combination: Rocker + Counter + Twizzle on the inside edge. This exercise helps develop the ability to sense quick changes of direction and body control during the turn and spin.

Step-by-Step Technique for Rocker Turns

For a clean and correct execution of the Rocker, the position of the body, shoulders, free leg, and the exact point of the change of direction play a crucial role.

Forward Outside Rocker

Entry: Glide forward on the outside edge. The body and shoulders actively "set" into the circle, following the arc. The blade must be on the outside edge to maintain the curve. Change of Direction (Turn): Emphasize the front part of the blade. It is critical to avoid "over-gliding" (перетяжка) — excessive sliding after the turn or losing the edge. Exit (Backward Outside): Upon exiting, lie with your back into the circle, maximizing the opening of the back arm and the hip of the free leg behind you. This creates strong control and prepares for the next arc.

Backward Outside Rocker

Entry: Continue gliding backward on the outside edge, the back is leaning into the circle. The blade is on the outside edge. Change of Direction (Turn): Change through the back part of the blade, strictly without over-gliding! Exit (Forward Outside): Once again, lean the body and shoulders into the circle, restoring the entry position for a repeat or transition to another element.

Forward Inside Rocker

Entry: Glide forward on the inside edge. The body and arms "hug" the circle of movement, meaning the body is leaning into the circle. Change of Direction (Turn): Also without over-gliding, on the front part of the blade. Exit (Backward Inside): The body and arms, conversely, twist OUT of the circle. The free leg can be extended past the skating leg also in the direction out of the circle. This prepares the correct twist for the next phase.

Backward Inside Rocker

Entry: On the first arc, the body and arms are twisted OUT of the circle. The free leg is also extended in the direction out of the circle. Change of Direction (Turn): Change through the back part of the blade, without over-gliding. Exit (Forward Inside): The arms and body once again "hug" the circle you are gliding on, returning to the entry position for the Forward Inside Rocker.

Two Key Points for the Perfect Rocker Turn

Executing the Rocker Turn requires not only strength but also impeccable timing and coordination. Remember these two critically important rules:

Precise Arc Completion (Timing): The change of direction (turn) is made only after you have completed exactly half of the previous circle (arc). Imagine a circle. On each arc, you must complete a half circle. The turn is executed strictly after this halfway point—neither earlier nor later. This guarantees edge maintenance and a clean trace.

Direction of the Turn: In all Rocker Turns, the change of direction (turn) is made strictly towards the CENTER of the circle you are skating on! Unlike the Counter Turn, where the turn is made out of the circle, the Rocker Turn is always directed inward, which forms the characteristic trace resembling a hook.

Conclusion for Skaters

Mastering Rocker Turns requires constant practice and attention to detail. The quality of your steps directly influences your score for choreography and transitions. At Ryabinin Camps, we pay special attention to the technique of every step and turn.

Join our figure skating camps or online training sessions to receive personalized recommendations from leading coaches and perfect your Rocker Turns and other elements!

Are you ready to take your skating to the next level?