Did a search and couldn't find anything; apologies if this is addressed elsewhere.
I really struggle with my flipturns. What I took for granted in my youth is now quite a challenge. I find that I'm much more worn out after a swim if I've done flipturns, and I don't think I swim any faster or more efficiently when I do flipturns.
It's difficult to pace myself consistently, so my approach to the wall is the first problem I encounter. I try to have about a foot or two between my outstretched arm and the wall before I begin the turn. Even if I manage to do this successfully, I find myself sinking quite a bit during the turn, so much so that I can't flip in the shallow end of the pool without scraping knees and elbows on the bottom!
I'm a distance swimmer, so I'm not sure speeding up will do me much good in the long run.
Suggestions for a better flipturn are appreciated.
The fact that you want to work on improving your flipturns is great! I would suggest doing flip turns only when you are at the deep end of the pool and sticking with open turns at the shallow end. You'll save time and avoid injuring yourself this way. You can take some time after your main workout to continue practicing your turns as well. If you work on your turn technique and practice consistently, the flipturns will continue to get less difficult and tiring. Good luck!
The fact that you want to work on improving your flipturns is great! I would suggest doing flip turns only when you are at the deep end of the pool and sticking with open turns at the shallow end. You'll save time and avoid injuring yourself this way. You can take some time after your main workout to continue practicing your turns as well. If you work on your turn technique and practice consistently, the flipturns will continue to get less difficult and tiring. Good luck!
