kick turn
Noun: A standing turn performed while skiing. The maneuver involves lifting one ski to a vertical position, pivoting it backward until it is parallel to the other ski but facing the opposite direction, and then aligning the second ski with the first to complete the change in direction.
This term is used specifically in the context of skiing to describe a technique for turning around while stationary on a slope. * Skiers use a kick turn to change direction on a narrow or steep trail where a wider, moving turn is not possible. * Learning to execute a smooth kick turn is an important skill for navigating difficult terrain.
- The instructor demonstrated a perfect kick turn on the steep ridge.
- When the path ended at a cliff, she had to perform a kick turn to go back the way she came.
- Mastering the kick turn requires good balance and coordination.
The term is highly specific to skiing. Its usage is almost entirely literal, describing the physical maneuver. It is often used in instructional contexts. * "To execute a kick turn": This is the standard phrase describing the action of performing the maneuver. * You need to execute a kick turn carefully on this icy surface.
- Turn (noun): A general change in direction. In skiing, there are many types of turns (e.g., parallel turn, stem christie).
- Pivot (verb): To turn or spin on a central point, which describes the key action of the ski during a kick turn.
- Stationary turn: A more general term that describes turning around without moving forward, of which a kick turn is a specific type.
There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs associated with this specific technical term. Its meaning is confined to the described skiing technique.
- a standing turn made in skiing; one ski is raised to the vertical and pivoted backward to become parallel with the other ski but headed in the opposite direction and then the other ski is aligned with the first