A 3 turn is a figure skating element which involves both a change in direction and a change in edge. For example, when a skater executes a forward outside 3 turn, the skater begins on a forward outside edge and finishes on a backwards inside edge. There are eight 3 turns in all: one for each possible combination of direction (forward or backward), skating foot (left or right), and edge (inside or outside).
The turn is named for the tracing that it makes on the ice. Each edge makes a curve, and the change of edge in between them is marked by a point. It looks roughly like the numeral three.
Three turns are considered basic turns in figure skating. Along with mohawk turns, they are the first turns learned by beginning skaters, and the most common way for skaters to change direction. Three turns can also be used as the common entrance to a toe loop jump and the flip jump.
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