A counter turn is most often used to describe the turning of the hips in the opposite direction of a double leg circle. When a gymnast has their legs straight in front of them, their hips should be turning in the opposite direction of their circle. For a clockwise circle the gymnast’s right hip will be higher than their left. This enables the gymnast to extend and drive their heels for the completion of the circle. It enables a much stronger circle, and allows for spindles to be performed dynamically.