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
Some advice from personal experience:
If using the backstroke flip turn for the first time, practice counting strokes from the flags at the speed you will be swimming in a race.
I learned the "new" backstroke flip during workouts and got it down to a comfortable 4 strokes before beginning the flip. Then using it in competition for the first time, I consistently found myself too close to the wall after 4 strokes. Swimming faster in the race only required 3 strokes which I now practice.
