I recently bought a new set of hand paddles and I feel like an idiot because I can't quite figure out how to do a successful flip turn with them. I can do the flip, but I can't seem to get my arms into a streamlined position off the wall without coming to a grinding halt. My old set was much smaller so I didn't notice this problem so much. Tips?
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Former Member
The fact that you are having this problem shows you that you have some inefficiencies in your hand positioning as you flip.
The great thing about paddles is that they exaggerate problems with your hand placement (during your stroke and, as you point out, during your flip.) If the paddles get "stuck" in the water, it means that your hands are doing so as well (to a lesser extent.) Working on eliminating these inefficiencies when you wear paddles will translate into more efficient hand placement overall.
It's hard to diagnose what's happening with your hands without direct observation. But I will suggest this: When you begin your flip, your hands/arms (both hands) should be at your sides. Don't point them outwards and rotate them as aids to assist your flip. It's one of the more common techniques, but it's horribly inefficient.
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Former Member
The fact that you are having this problem shows you that you have some inefficiencies in your hand positioning as you flip.
The great thing about paddles is that they exaggerate problems with your hand placement (during your stroke and, as you point out, during your flip.) If the paddles get "stuck" in the water, it means that your hands are doing so as well (to a lesser extent.) Working on eliminating these inefficiencies when you wear paddles will translate into more efficient hand placement overall.
It's hard to diagnose what's happening with your hands without direct observation. But I will suggest this: When you begin your flip, your hands/arms (both hands) should be at your sides. Don't point them outwards and rotate them as aids to assist your flip. It's one of the more common techniques, but it's horribly inefficient.
