Figure Skating Turns Advanced: Forward Inside Rockers (Amy Brolsma)

Amy Brolsma teaches forward inside rockers.  This is a continuation of Amy’s presentation on rockers that began with forward outside rockers.  As Amy notes at the very beginning, forward inside rockers can be very tricky.

Again, Amy first focuses on having complete control and proper alignment of the forward inside entrance edge.  The free shoulder should be twisted back and behind and the skater should be on the back part of the blade.  The skater rocks up to the ball of the foot to do the turn and back to the middle back on the turn exit.

Amy wants the skater to twist the shoulders quickly ahead of the hips just prior to the turn.  “By getting my hands and shoulders over to the new circle, it will help you control the edge afterwards.”

Amy teaches the free leg starting behind and going in front slightly after the turn.  Right after the turn the free foot goes in front and pigeon toes strongly out of the circle (internal rotation of hips).  The internal rotation helps keep the free hip up after the turn which is probably the number one biggest problem on this turn.

Another tip Amy offers is to “pretend you’re looking over a cliff” after the turn.  It will help you lift the free hip and control the inside edge.  The head and free leg are out over the circle.  Amy address the need to keep the core strong and still during and after this turn.  The primary error of sticking out the skating hip is usually the result of laziness (or not knowing what muscles to engage) or insufficient shoulder rotation in and out.

Add to “My Favorites” (Beta testing)