Three-turn

For example, when a skater executes a forward outside three-turn, the skater begins on a forward outside edge and finishes on a backwards inside edge.

[1] There are eight three-turns in all; one for each possible combination of direction (forward or backward), skating foot (left or right), and edge (inside or outside).

[3] When skaters joined two circles on either foot, it created a tracing that looked like the number 8.

These tracings inspired skaters in Holland and throughout Europe to develop methods of carving other numbers and letters of the alphabet in the ice, as well as, among more accomplished skaters, writing their own names and drawing elaborate patterns.

[4] Three-turns are considered basic turns in figure skating.