Lunge Turn

Question
Hi,I just had a question. I'm new at inline skating and I wanted to know what a lunge turn was. Thanks.

Answer
Hello John and thank you for your question. Its always hard to teach skills through words alone but I will try. A lunge turn is considered an intermediate skill so if you are too much of a beginner you may want to try an A-frame or parallel turn first. But your question was about the lunge turn so I'll address that. First, pick a direction that is more comfortable to turn. For example, if you are right handed you might feel more comfortable turning right but decide this first. If possible you can mark the point you will turn with a cone or even a rock. You will need to get some speed (but not a race) and a good amount of room to go into this turn so be ready for that. Skate towards your turning point, just before you reach it you will scissor your feet wide. (scissor: one foot will come forward and the opposite foot will go backwards in preportion, like a scissor) The foot that goes in front of the scissor will be the direction that you are turning. After you scissor your feet, begin to turn your head then upper body in the direction your turning. Think about what a lunge on feet looks and feels like. You can use that to get the feel in the turn. Now sink into a wide, low lunge. It helps to center your chest over your front knee as you transfer most of your weight to that skate. Keep the back leg slightly bent. As you lean into the turn, you will shift to the inside (i.e. right if turning right) edge of your wheels to balance. When you come out of the turn, you will straighten up and bring your feet together to maintain your direction. With more speed you can get closer to 180 degree turn. I hope this helps you. As a reference tool for further questions try the website, www.IISA.org.
Good luck and stay safe. Kim