All right, I just read the rule on the backstroke turn and couldn't figure out what was being said. I have been away from swim meets for 15 years so I think I saw some changes in telivised compititions. It seems that a freestyle flip turn is being used. Is this legal in masters swimming. I started doing what I saw on TV and it seems to be a great turn. I always hated the old style backstroke turn.
If it is legal, could someone breakdown the rule in simple terms so that I dont get DQed. I don't have a formal coach at this time.
Thanks
Parents
Former Member
Swimgirl,
As I understand the rule, after you push off the wall it is permissible to streamline on your side so long as you don't tilt pass 90 degrees. I usually do a quick dolphin kick on my side and turn onto my back before breaking the surface. All the while being very careful not to pass the ninety degree mark.
The reason for this is that one can normally cut the water faster while on their side than flat on their back, (or belly if it's freestyle). Back in the days when we did the "old school" turn, we stayed flat on our back for the entire swim. I guess as a habit from doing freestyle turns on my side (facing the wall) during push-off, it carried over into my 21st century backstroke turn.
If anyone knows different about the rule, please let me know. I've only competed twice since getting back into the pool last year and would hate to be DQ'd. Phil?
Thanks, Val.
Swimgirl,
As I understand the rule, after you push off the wall it is permissible to streamline on your side so long as you don't tilt pass 90 degrees. I usually do a quick dolphin kick on my side and turn onto my back before breaking the surface. All the while being very careful not to pass the ninety degree mark.
The reason for this is that one can normally cut the water faster while on their side than flat on their back, (or belly if it's freestyle). Back in the days when we did the "old school" turn, we stayed flat on our back for the entire swim. I guess as a habit from doing freestyle turns on my side (facing the wall) during push-off, it carried over into my 21st century backstroke turn.
If anyone knows different about the rule, please let me know. I've only competed twice since getting back into the pool last year and would hate to be DQ'd. Phil?
Thanks, Val.
