Correct Common Three-Turn Errors in Figure Skating

Hello Skaters! Today I am going to be answering some more of you questions and skating struggles you shared with me a few weeks ago in this video... • Solving Your Biggest F... where I asked your biggest skating challenges. I saw a themes among the responses and one of those was that so many of you are struggling with your Three-Turns. You are having a hard time maintaining a correct edge, You are not understanding how to check, you are falling out of the three turn to quickly, You don't have momentum to cary you through the second half of the turn... Etc. Today I am going to try and help you fix some of those issues. If you still need to learn your three turns, you will find the videos below helpful!
Forward Outside Three Turns- • How To Do A Forward Ou...
Forward Inside Three Turns - • How To Do A Forward In...
Backward Three Turns- • How To Do Backward Thr...
Off Ice Exercises for Better Ankle Control- • Off Ice Exercises for ...
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Coach Julia has been skating (first on roller and then on ice) for over 30 years. She was a competitive skater until she turned 21 when she got her first contract as a professional show skater. Julia has been a figure skating coach for 15 years, is a USFS Gold Medalist in Moves in the Field, and an ISI Gold Level certified judge. She has held positions as the Skating Director of the largest skating program in the United States, as well as Head Coach at two different skating clubs. Julia has now turned her skills towards a larger audience and is bringing her love and knowledge of skating to all of you!

[@laholmes966]

I would love a video on how to fall in a way that minimizes injury. As a 55 year old who just started skating again after almost 40 years, I’m discovering that I just don’t bounce like I used to. Seems the older we get, the harder we fall, (and I know there are beginners out there older than me.) Now after a couple of falls that I would have bounced back from in my younger years, I can’t move for days and it is almost paralyzing me with fear. What measures can I take to prevent serious injury to an aging body? I don’t need to be able to do fancy jumps and spins, but I’d give anything to be able to turn on one foot with confidence, not fear.

[@yjchoi17]

I’d say wearing protective gear like knee pads and butt pads is the way to go. In the movie “ice princess,” coach introduces the butt pads as the students’ “new best friend” and I can’t agree any more. Before meeting my best friend, I’d fall and get bruised, go to class the next week already knowing that I’m not 100%, fall and get bruised again and leave class knowing the following week will be even worse. It was so discouraging! After wearing butt pads, things changed. Yes they saved me from bruising myself, but more importantly, I no longer have to worry about what could have been. The psychology really helps. BTW, I’m 40 so a bit different from your situation, but not too different.

[@slipperyhardandcold7740]

Similar situation here. Started just before age 20, skated rather regularly for 28 years, then no skating for 15 years before starting again. I'm wearing knee pads now (after having fluid on one knee after a couple of falls). I'm trying to regain my skills with a minimum of falls, but I do get spooked if I take a few falls, especially if I'm not getting the 'feel' of a move. I can suggest practicing getting the setup position for turns (without turning), then get the feel for the rotation (stationary on two feet or holding onto the boards), before actually trying the turns.

[@CoachJulia]

Hey, I just wanted to let you know that I made a video responding to your question! It came out today, I hope you enjoy!

[@whitneysmith6752]

Hi went back at 55had bad fall on a TWIZZLE at 56 &broke my hip😦😦returned even more determined at 57 and have been skating for 2 Yrs doing figures, foot work, dance patterns NO jumps or spins other than loops. I have had zero injuries. Fell a few times - but no injury which makes me actually laugh with joy when I fall WELL👍usually becasue I catch an edge. However what is different? Like some other skaters have commented PADDING!! I had to Leggo my eggo so to speak and wear WRIST guards (most likely place to injury as breaks fall) and “crash shorts”. However mine are “low profile” meaning I wear them UNDER my tights. Made by skating spirit they have pockets you can slip either gel pads or what I use are D30 plastic pads (the molecules actually stiffen when impacted and disperse the energy then return to being soft after impact. I did a ton of research on them. SO once you have proper protection you won’t have that dire fear of injury. Also always always take your time warming up. If you are tired stop skating. Muscle fatigue I feel is a great cause of falls and stumbles. You have to focus and fully commit every molecule of your mind and body when you are on the ice and the pay off is honestly minimal falls or trips. You can’t be thinking about your job or what you need to pick up at store later. The ice is a cruel mistress but a bountiful reward when you just take some extra caution and work one element at a time to get back in condition. Consistency and method to your practice helps make you feel more confident. When I returned after injury I was convinced I was going to fall badly again. It’s been 2 Yrs and I honestly have only fallen 3 x and some baubles that I catch myself. As long as you are not jumping skating doesn’t have to be perilous. You will be SO HAPPY you returned to skating. It has become my #1 happy place and escape from life’s problems and better physical and mental health! If you can skate at all- that is your superpower! I hope anything I have said helps. I could have not returned after my catastrophic slip (was slip not a fall that is why injury was worse when you fall and you are in motion the energy of the fall is disbursed. If you slip in a nearly standing or on one spot spin then the body takes the full impact. It’s a physics thing) . But I am SO GLAD I DID. I plan to skate till the day I am not able and I hope like Yvonne Dowling (you should see the short film about her called EDGES) I will skate until my 80s!

[@inimolend]

I think padding (like crash pants, wrist and knee protection) is a good idea and also do some general strenght training (core, hands, legs) wich improves your balance and reduces the chance of joint injuries.

[@deesterdee6650]

Thanks for posting this! I'm working on 3 turns and getting them consistent and smooth. I just realized stability comes by having the shoulder, hip and foot axis aligned. I incision it is like a pole stable in the ice that I swing around on. It is helping me hold the edge too which I realized edge control is super important for three turns. I think when we are learning 3 turns we get so focused on turning our body that we overlook the critical components of what makes the turn happen vs focusing on the turn alone. I'm still learning these and hoping g to get more speed and ice coverage woth three turns but these little building blocks are so huge for me. Thanks again for your instructions. :)

[@clairedevarennes8526]

That is why compulsory figures were so important in my time...😉

[@metalheadlass9868]

Controlling 3-turns and edges are crucial for jumps. Very important lesson 👍 thank you, coach!

[@CoachJulia]

Very welcome!

[@FantasiaDeep]

Thank you so much for explaining this. ❤

[@amigurumigirl]

I can’t wait to try this!! Especially the hand and hip staying “behind” me. I think that’s going to do the trick. Thank you!

[@janiceszabo8029]

I think this is my problem too. Looking forward to trying it out next time I’m on the ice ☺️

[@CoachJulia]

Good luck with your practice!

[@TheLarryBrown]

Not sure that's going to be a miracle cure. Probably 100% of people learning this three turn are dropping that free leg after the turn. Just putting your hand behind you is probably not going to fix all that.

[@lucekwesola3774]

This is so helpful, thank you Coach Julia, you are my favourite online coach 😊❤

[@randomcubing7106]

Perfect timing! I am currently struggling on my left foot 3 turns!

[@Charlie4lphaNovember]

Same

[@CoachJulia]

You got this!

[@ulaabaj1138]

i love these series!

[@CoachJulia]

Yay!

[@SueK2001]

When I last skated I was getting ready for adult pre-bronze test. After struggling for a long time my dance coach finally gave me a tip that resonated with me. If I keep my upper body rotated and sort of “drive my forward arm into the circle, I’m forced to turn. Before I’d block myself as my shoulders weren’t facing the inside of the circle and I couldn’t do it. I haven’t been able to skate for a while now so when I return to the ice I know I’m going to have to work a bit to remember everything lol. But one of the things I’m terrified to do is a 3-turn at speed. Like if I’m stroking forwards towards the end of rink and I want to change to backwards, I can’t do the 3-turn. Or if I try I end up hitting the toe pick, drop my free leg and commence an ungainly flailing and stumbling around trying not to fall. Mohawk at speed yes. 3-turn a big no. Any tips?

[@reighn831]

Hi, I have no answer to this since I'm struggling with the same problem, so I'm commenting so I can see a reply if it comes haha

[@rosol_polski]

Thank You do much. I needed that lesson😊

[@CoachJulia]

You are so welcome

[@johntousseau9380]

Definitely useful! Outside 3 turns on my left foot are not as good as my right. I need both for the waltz 8. I will try these exercises today!

[@ginatriana1523]

thank you, very helpful, always room for improvement on every skill!

[@CoachJulia]

Happy to help!

[@sandykovacs6043]

Thank you!!!! I especially appreciated how you took the time to discuss hip rotation, and how keeping your leg and hip behind will assist in executing the 3-turn; I finally realized what one of my other major issues and mistakes with 3-turns are! Thanks so much again for personally addressing my question in this video. Also, ISU Adult Competition is finally being held in 💖💖Ottawa Canada this September 21 through 24. Hope you can make it out Julia!!!⛸🥇🏆⛸

[@hcollins9110]

Great info, thank you!!

[@CoachJulia]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lucekwesola3774]

So so useful, thank you so much for this video !!!

[@CoachJulia]

You're so welcome!

[@gioiagedicks3245]

This is amazing and so helpful, thank you so much! You are my favorite coach!!😄

[@CoachJulia]

Wow, thank you!

[@galacticbananas482]

Wow this is amazing, going over common errors is so so helpful to go with you how to video. Thank you so much!!

[@CoachJulia]

Glad it was helpful!

[@fazilatrafiq]

I’ve been working on this just last week and struggling soooo much. This is incredible, thank you!!

[@CoachJulia]

You're so welcome!

[@seannamarie71]

Thank you!!! This is very helpful, and I am looking forward to continuing my work on my 3 turns.

[@CoachJulia]

You are welcome! I hope you find this helpful!

[@katrinehammer]

Wow, what an excellent tutorial 🌟 Thank you 😊

[@CoachJulia]

Glad you liked it!

[@theth9033]

Julia, thank you this vid is REALLY good!

[@CoachJulia]

I am so glad you think so.

[@ashariasmith7379]

I appreciate this video. One thing in my three turns I struggle with is coming out to go into the other three turn I’m completely closed off so if you could go over that transition and opening up to go into the next one. Also if you could do a video on how to do the camel and some exercises that’s something I have been struggling with.

[@ninjagal]

Ok now I understand it better. It’s very useful because from stationary, I can do it fine. But when we do drills where we need to do continuously, my body center/leg alignment gets thrown off during the next one which makes it more difficult to get the succeeding 3turns correctly done. Thanks for pointing these out Coach Julia. It’s really helpful. Good luck on the app development

[@CaztareCosplay]

The timing of this is PERFECT I am trying to work on improving my three turns at the moment! Also very excited to hear about the app - looking forward to that!!

[@CoachJulia]

Yay, I am glad I could give you some tips! I am excited about the app too!

[@ariane51000]

Wauu, this was good tips :) I try to keep my hip behind next time when I practice my forward inside 3turns. Thank you :)

[@CoachJulia]

Glad you thought it was helpful!

[@cynthiamcmillin823]

Thank you so much for this video! You addressed the problems I was having with 3 turns and saved me some serious money in coaching fees.

[@CoachJulia]

I am glad I could help!!

[@annaguettabi3974]

Omg, the “hip behind” totally makes sense from the physics stand-point, thank you!

[@CoachJulia]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Ashley-wd5df]

Thank you!! I will practice this

[@CoachJulia]

You're so welcome!

[@IsaacBisaac]

Thanks for the tip! 🙌🙌

[@CoachJulia]

Happy to help!

[@yjchoi17]

Thanks again Coach Julia. Although it wasn’t something I asked for, I did pick up some important tips like using my back arm to control the three turn.

[@CoachJulia]

Thats great! There are so many nuances to figure skating, I feel like there is always something to learn.

[@madremuller5436]

Thank you for this ideo, I'm really struggling with ny Right inside 3 turn. It's a mental block, my body struggles to turn anti-clockwise.

[@leshe88]

Thanks you Coach Julia for this deep dive and breakdown of issues! Your experience really shines through! (It felt like you were directly talking to me because all these issues apply to my 3-turn 😫 ).

[@CoachJulia]

Glad it was helpful!

[@zeborahnz]

Awesome tips, thank you! Even though I've tried and occasionally sort of achieved a three-turn, I'm mostly focusing on getting my two-foot turns down. I got mad at them the other week and kind of went on the attack and suddenly got them working 🥳so now I can work up confidence and speed and technique. My arms often go with the spin and have to jerk back so I'm definitely going to be using your tips on controlling the arms/hands, as well as practising my edges in preparation for when I'm ready to level up again.

[@CoachJulia]

Sometimes it does take a full on 'attack' mode to get a move working! Congrats on your progress, and keep up the practice!

[@jessewong1355]

I just realized I've been checking with the wrong arms... This has been incredibly helpful thank you.

[@CoachJulia]

Happy to help!

[@funtimeLJ6789]

I’ve been struggling with my three turns so this helps a lot

[@CoachJulia]

I am happy to help! Good luck!

[@babystarcooky]

my coach JUST started teaching us 3 turns, but i wasnt quite getting it down 😅 thank you about explaining the technique behind it!

[@CoachJulia]

Happy to help!

[@kitt3797]

I’ve been very frustrating stuck in 3 turns 😢 every advanced move needs 3 turn 😂 The common error is losing momentum after the turn …

[@samira_lol]

Thank you for this!!! I’m learning this now and I’m having a bit of trouble with it 🥴

[@CoachJulia]

You’re welcome 😊

[@chiutwan]

Your tip about putting the free hip and leg behind helped me improve my LFI3, which I struggled for months until I saw this video. Thank you! I still find it hard to turn on the heel for backward inside three turns. Any suggestions?

[@user-xp1hu9py9j]

You are so cute when you made the mistake to teach us,and looks so happy when you were skating

[@Han-qr8oj]

i'm so excited for the app!!!! 🤩🤩

[@CoachJulia]

Yay! I am happy to hear that!

[@maracaisse]

Wow I’ll have to try these in the future! Also, my rink is about to close for at least a month and I’ve never gone that long without skating. Are there possibly any tips you might have to help me keep my technique?

[@midgechickma]

Thanks!

[@CoachJulia]

Oh thank you!! I appreciate you so much!

[@midgechickma]

@@CoachJulia welcome ⛸💛

[@JessicaSToro]

Hips behind, understood. Last week I even made an ig video on how not to do 3turns since I kept on losing balance at the end 😆 Thank you coach.

[@CoachJulia]

Oh my goodness, that is a funny idea for a video. I hope these help you do it correctly. 😆

[@JessicaSToro]

I'll send it to you so you can laugh at me xD

[@CoachJulia]

@@JessicaSToro laugh in a purely supportive friendly way. 🤪

[@R0nnieRat]

Thank you!!!!

[@CoachJulia]

You're welcome!

[@koreanature]

Wow... !!! My best friend, Great Good... !!! I wish you every day of your development.

[@CoachJulia]

Many many thanks

[@virginiacasiglia6488]

Grazie è tutto molto chiaro .i tuoi video mi piacviono tantissimo li sto guardando tutti e mi stanno aiutando molto . Io insegno pattinaggio artistico a Palermo . Ciao Giulia🌻🌻

[@TheZumbalara]

This was really helpful, especially the tip on holding my arm down and behind! Any tips on extending the glide going into the 3 turn before the actual turn? I keep turning too soon :( Thanks!

[@jasminbuchholz2300]

I am from Germany. At first, your english is fantastic, I understand everything so good and my english is not the best! I love how you explain everything. Thank you so much for your videos. Ist helps me a lot. By the way, I started skating at the age of 43😎😎😎

[@CoachJulia]

Wow, thank you! I love that you got started as an adult!

[@Kez16h]

Does she have a makeup tutorial?? Literally flawless. In love!

[@CoachJulia]

Awe, that is so sweet. Thank you.

[@naturelover1284]

What do you think about arch supports in your skates?

[@donnabella1018]

Dear coach, I struggle with backwards crossovers … a lot 😑

[@SpitefulAZ]

I humbly request tutorials for counter turns and rocker turns. 🙏🙏🙏

[@CoachJulia]

I did put out Forward Counter turns this fall, and I have backward counter turns coming out next Sunday!!!

[@slipperyhardandcold7740]

There seemed to be a discussion between coaches recently on whether the primary leverage for the turns should be 'shoulders against hips' or whether the rotation should be more with the legs. Do you have any comments on this? Note, this may be too technical for a lot of people.

[@CoachJulia]

Hey! I just wanted to let you know that I made a vide responding to your question, it came out today! I hope you enjoy.

[@yjchoi17]

And a question that arose during the week I hope you could address in the future; I went to public skating sessions last week and had to leave in less than 30 mins because my calf just “locked up.” Never happened before, so it was pretty disappointing. Do you have any tips on keeping the calves loose? Say a good stretching program?

[@crglaesman]

Make sure you are staying hydrated & getting enough magnesium and potassium. Without these three things muscles tend to cramp. Electrolytes can make a big difference here too.

[@yjchoi17]

@@crglaesman i think that was it. I could have been a little dehydrated from workouts a few days before the said session. Good thing I have some magnesium water in the house

[@CoachJulia]

Definitely what @Christine Glaesman said! Hydration, Magnesium, Potassium. I often skate with an electrolyte powder that is added to my water.

[@jrg305]

Any idea how your toe pick can get stuck during a power 3 turn enough that you sprain the peroneal muscle tendon? Still not clear on how that happened for me. I have been confident in my 3 turns for years now. Then one day at the end of a public skate I was going really fast and it got stuck and I went down and my foot didn't.

[@fatedbrain6326]

♥️

[@Elise.93]

I'm working on my forward 3 turns and nearly have it down. I can't for the life of me figure out how to get completely off my toe pick and onto my rocker. I don't really have any issues with momentum, besides the minor slow down that comes with the toe pick getting involved for a moment. Do you have any suggestions?

[@tomciras6672]

Hi Coach Julia, what about pushing off at the turn to get second half momentum back? ...otherwise you slow down, Thanks Coach

[@CoachJulia]

Ideally you don't want to push off at the turn. The momentum from the forward push should cary you into the backward glide. I know it is tough to keep the momentum going, but keep working at it!

[@tomciras6672]

@@CoachJulia I bet the judges won't be too pleased either, Thanks Coach Julia!

[@ronnib7964]

how do you know the exact vids I need I’ve been struggling with my 3 turn

[@CoachJulia]

Must be coach's intuition. 😆

[@naturelover1284]

Is it necessary to have your leg extended and swing it?

[@sk8rcjh1]

Never saw a coach do a three turn with the free foot out like that. Usually it's bring the toe to the heel of the other foot then turn.

[@CoachJulia]

There are lots of different techniques, but honestly, most coaches I know teach a three turn with the leg extended 🤷‍♀️

[@gowanderlustwithme]

I still get confused on arm position as they appear different for inside and outside 3 turns. I also learned arms differently years ago. Now I’m totally confused!!!

[@TheLarryBrown]

Yes, the different coaches teach different ways but they don't want to admit that. There's no wrong answer.

[@primaonice1886]

You are really pretty in this video, coach!

[@CoachJulia]

Oh thank you!

[@camillerenteria7394]

I cannot find your JOIN button, and I really want to join. What am I (not) doing?

[@CoachJulia]

Awe, thank you! It can only be done on a computer, not a phone. Maybe that will help?

[@Kachow_3]

Ur so pretty!

[@CoachJulia]

Oh thank you!

[@noorallawati5390]

lol im the funny dance move person hahahaha

[@rienn8559]

i cant get my stomach towards the circle 😦

[@tseringdhargay2799]

SKA

[@tseringdhargay2799]

SKATE IS THE BEST!!!!!.