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Swimming is not just a leisure activity, but also a competitive sport. One of the most important skills to develop as a swimmer is the flip turn. A proper flip turn can make a huge difference in your performance by increasing your speed and allowing you to maintain your momentum while swimming laps. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced swimmer, here are some tips and techniques on how to execute the perfect flip turn.

What is a Flip Turn?

A flip turn, also known as a tumble turn, is a technique used in swimming to change direction at the end of a pool. It involves flipping over and pushing off the wall with your feet, allowing you to change direction without losing any momentum. This technique is commonly used in freestyle, backstroke, and butterfly strokes.

Image: Freepik

How to Execute a Flip Turn?

To execute a flip turn, follow these simple steps:

• Swim towards the wall and start your turn a few feet away from it.
• Tuck your chin towards your chest and perform a forward somersault while keeping your body tight and streamlined.
• Push off the wall with your feet and extend your arms to start your next lap.

Tips and Techniques for a Perfect Flip Turn

Practice your somersaults

Before attempting a flip turn, practice your somersaults on the pool deck. This will help you get comfortable with the movement and build up your confidence.

Keep your body tight and streamlined

When performing a flip turn, keep your body tight and streamlined. This will help you maintain your speed and momentum as you push off the wall.

Use your legs

Your legs play a crucial role in executing a flip turn. Use them to generate the power you need to push off the wall and start your next lap.

Don’t slow down

To execute a perfect flip turn, you need to maintain your speed and momentum throughout the turn. Don’t slow down as you approach the wall, but keep your strokes strong and steady.

Use your arms

Your arms can also help you maintain your momentum during a flip turn. Extend them in front of your body as you push off the wall to help you glide through the water.

Kick Turns in Swimming

Kick turns are an alternative to flip turns and are commonly used in breaststroke and medley swimming. They involve using a quick kick to change direction and propel yourself off the wall. To execute a kick turn, follow these simple steps:

• Swim towards the wall and perform a quick kick.
• Plant your feet against the wall and push off.
• Start your next lap.
• Backstroke Open Turn

In backstroke, an open turn is used to change direction at the end of a pool. To execute an open turn, follow these simple steps:

• Swim towards the wall and rotate onto your stomach.
• Plant your feet against the wall and push off.
• Start your next lap.
• Back to Breast Flip Turn

In medley swimming, the back to breast flip turn is used to change from backstroke to breaststroke. To execute a back to breast flip turn, follow these simple steps:

• Swim towards the wall and perform a flip turn.
• Rotate onto your stomach and push off the wall.
• Start your breaststroke.

In conclusion, mastering the flip turn is a key skill for any swimmer. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced swimmer, incorporating flip turns into your training can help you increase your speed, improve your technique and make you a more efficient swimmer. So, keep practicing and never stop learning. Happy swimming!

Guest article

The above may not coincide with the methodology and opinion of the SwimRight Academy Team.