kickturn

Kickturn, also known as a kick turn, is a basic turning maneuver used in several skating disciplines, including skateboarding, inline skating, and roller skating, and is sometimes encountered in ice skating as well. The move involves rotating the rider and their equipment around a pivot point by briefly kicking or pushing with the free foot or edge to generate rotational torque. The result is a change of direction, typically 90 or 180 degrees, achieved on flat ground or while moving slowly.

Technique: The rider places weight over the pivot foot, keeps the knees bent, and positions the other foot near the ground or deck. A controlled kick or push initiates rotation, allowing the body and board to follow the turn. The rider then lands back on both feet and regains balance, aiming to complete the change in direction smoothly. Good balance, edge control, and timing are essential for a stable kickturn.

Variations and usage: In skateboarding and longboarding, kick turns help riders reorient in tight spaces, approach or exit corners, or navigate crowds without stopping. In inline skating and roller skating, they provide a precise, low-speed method to alter direction. The technique may differ slightly between sports, but the core idea remains a quick pivot powered by a kick or edge push.

See also: pivot, 180-degree turn, turn technique.