# 180° Turn Around Cone

Part of the Skating Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/skating/guide/index.md)

*2. Option A — Ice Skating*

> **2a11.** After gaining forward speed, glide forward on two feet, making a turn of 180 degrees around a cone, first to the right and then to the left.

This requirement tests your ability to control a two-foot glide through a turn. Starting from forward speed, you will drop into a two-foot glide and steer around a cone in a full half-circle — once clockwise (turning right) and once counterclockwise (turning left).

### How to Execute a Two-Foot Glide Turn

1. **Build speed.** Take 4–6 strong forward strokes to build comfortable skating speed.
2. **Set feet parallel.** Bring feet to a shoulder-width parallel stance and begin gliding forward on two feet.
3. **Tilt and steer.** To turn right, apply pressure to the **right inside edge** and the **left outside edge** simultaneously — this creates a slight right lean. Your body tilts gently in the direction of the turn.
4. **Curve around the cone.** Maintain that edge pressure throughout the 180° arc. Your body should feel like it is leaning slightly inward toward the cone.
5. **Complete the turn.** After 180°, you will be heading back the way you came. Straighten your edges to exit the turn.
6. Repeat the full sequence to the left.

### Placement

The cone is set at a distance your counselor chooses. Typically you set up 20–30 feet away, build speed, and enter the turn a body-length before the cone so the cone ends up inside your arc.

### Common Mistakes

**Feet spreading during the turn.** If your feet wander apart in the turn, focus on keeping them shoulder-width — the turn happens through edge lean, not foot spreading.

**Stepping instead of gliding.** The requirement specifies a glide — both feet stay on the ice throughout. If you are picking feet up and stepping through the turn, practice flattening your feet and relying on edge pressure alone.

**Losing speed.** If you are decelerating too fast in the turn, you may be pressing too hard into the ice. A smooth edge lean, not a skid, is what curves you.

> **Tip**
>
> Practice the edge tilt while standing still first. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and roll both feet gently to the right edges — you should feel the right inside edge and left outside edge engage. That is the feeling you will use in the glide turn.

## Official Resources

Video: [Turns Around a Cone (video)](https://youtu.be/Lm1PXq9iFog)

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