kick turn
C1Technical, Sports
Definition
Meaning
A turn executed in skiing or skating by lifting one foot and swinging it around to change direction.
Any swift pivoting or turning motion resembling the sports technique; can be used metaphorically for sudden changes in direction.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used in winter sports contexts. Its metaphorical use is rare but possible in creative writing or commentary.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference, but the term is more common in US skiing/skating discourse due to greater cultural prominence of those sports.
Connotations
Neutral sports terminology in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[subject] performed a kick turnto execute a kick turn on [surface/condition]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[no direct idioms]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not applicable in standard business contexts.
Academic
Used in sports science or kinesiology papers discussing skiing/skating technique.
Everyday
Limited to conversations about skiing, ice skating, or rollerblading.
Technical
Standard term in skiing/skating manuals, instructor training, and commentary.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She managed to kick-turn expertly on the narrow path.
American English
- You need to kick-turn here to avoid the tree.
adverb
British English
- [Not standard as an adverb]
American English
- [Not standard as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- The kick-turn technique is fundamental for mogul skiing.
American English
- He demonstrated a perfect kick-turn maneuver.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- [Level too low for this technical term]
- The instructor showed us how to do a kick turn.
- Mastering the kick turn is essential for navigating steep, narrow trails safely.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think KICK the leg around to TURN the body.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SUDDEN CHANGE IS A KICK (as in 'kick-start', 'kick into gear').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid literal translation as 'ударный поворот' (striking turn). The correct conceptual equivalent is 'поворот с переносом веса' or specific terms like 'поворот "кик-тёрн"' in sports contexts.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'kick turn' to describe a turn made by kicking a ball (e.g., in football).
- Confusing it with 'kickflip' (a skateboarding trick).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'kick turn' most accurately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, a kick turn is a stationary or very slow-speed turn used to change direction completely, often involving lifting one ski. A parallel turn is a dynamic, linked turn made while moving at speed.
Yes, a similar manoeuvre exists in aggressive inline skating and rollerblading, where it's used to pivot on the back wheels.
The name comes from the kicking or swinging motion of the leg and ski/skate that initiates the turn.
Very rarely. It might be understood metaphorically in other contexts involving a sharp pivot, but its primary and almost exclusive use is in snow and ice sports.