1. Begin With the Parallel Turn
The parallel turn for inline skaters is a beginning move that allows continued movement without braking and stumbling. The first step in completing a parallel turn is placing your turn foot ahead of your torso, with right turns requiring the right foot to shift forward. You need to apply pressure on the outside part of the front foot before leaning to that side with your body weight. The parallel part of this turn requires that you keep your feet parallel to each other until the turn is complete. This body positioning is possible by keeping your arms positioned perpendicular to your waistline and avoiding large spaces between skates.
2. Increasing Turn Speed With the Crossover
The crossover turn is a moderately difficult inline skating move that can be broken down into three steps. You can begin a crossover by taking your back leg and stepping ahead of your front leg without slowing down. This exaggerated step needs to be integrated with a shift of the former front leg to prevent tripping during the turn. The final move in the crossover turn involves shifting weight to your back leg, moving your new back leg to its original position and redistributing your weight to the outside edge of your front leg.
3. Use Lunge Turn for Sharp Street Corners
Skaters who want to take steps forward in their turning technique learn the lunge turn. This turn begins with the upside-down "V" position that belies the upcoming turn with the front leg. You need to anticipate an upcoming turn by keeping your eyes on the curb and shifting your weight above the waist in that direction. The important distinction between this turn and other techniques is the extension of the legs into a low lunging position. This lunge involves bending your knees 90 degrees and straightening your back to keep your body stable during the turn. Your final step on this move is a recovery to the original upside-down "V" position to anticipate future turns.
4. Descend Hills With Downhill Turns
The challenge of inline skating down a gradual hill near your home can be dealt with using downhill turning. This type of turning starts with the A-frame position, where your inline skates are extended just outside of the shoulders. The next step in dealing with hill skating is making large A-frame turns from one side of the street to another while moving forward slightly with each turn. It is important that you regulate the distance covered with each turn to avoid gaining momentum heading downhill. You can decrease your speed by using parallel turns up the hilly street.
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