# Lunge Turn

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

*2. Option C — In-Line Skating*

> **2c11.** From a strong pace, perform a lunge turn around an object predetermined by your counselor.

A lunge turn is a dynamic direction change executed from significant speed — you drop into a low lunge position to lower your center of gravity and use edge control to steer sharply around an object. Your counselor will place an object (typically a cone) and you must approach at a strong pace and turn cleanly around it.

### How to Perform a Lunge Turn

1. **Build strong speed.** The lunge turn is most effective with momentum — approach the object at a real skating pace.
2. **Initiate the lunge.** As you near the object, step one foot well forward and to the inside of the turn (the foot that will be closest to the object). This is your lead foot; your knee bends deeply as you commit weight to it.
3. **Trail the outside foot.** The outside foot stays behind and to the outside of the turn, either lifted or lightly touching the pavement.
4. **Use your weight and edges to steer.** The lead foot's inside edge bites into the pavement and arcs you around the object. Your low center of gravity allows a sharper turn.
5. **Rise out of the lunge.** After clearing the object, push up from the deep knee bend and resume normal skating.

### Why "From a Strong Pace" Matters

At slow speeds, a lunge turn is not much different from a regular step-around. The requirement specifies a strong pace because real-world use of the lunge turn happens when you need to change direction quickly — avoiding an obstacle on a path, cutting around a pedestrian, navigating a descent. Your counselor is assessing whether you can maintain control during high-momentum direction changes.

> **Safety First!**
>
> Lunge turns on pavement require full protective gear and should be practiced in an open area. At speed, an edge-catch during a lunge turn causes a fast fall forward. Wrist guards and knee pads are critical for this skill.

## Official Resources

Video: [Maneuvering Around Objects (video)](https://youtu.be/__N7lV59GMI)

---

- Previous: [Backward Swizzles](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/skating/guide/req2c-10/index.md)
- Next: [Mohawk](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/skating/guide/req2c-12/index.md)