I am back with open turns (due to pregnancy) and I've been amazed at the overall efficiency I gain doing open turns vs the flips I've been practicing over the past few months.
I am rapidly coming to conclusion that open turns done correctly can give an overall faster time in a long event like 1500m. The reason that I think they are 'more efficient overall' over the flip turn is the following:
1. Oxygen/air: you don't run out of air in tank like in a flip, as the short breath taken at the end of the pool oxygenates the body fully for the next length, so you really can 'steam through' the distance.
With the flip on the other hand, I have to judge my breathing, seem to get that hypoxic 'restricted oxygen feel' now and again (even though this has improved) which raises my heart rate and by the end of 1500m, I'm in a type of oxygen debt feeling which is lung busting and quite frankly inefficient.
2. I can consistently push off the wall in an explosive fashion and then streamline for longer and even do dolphin over a longer distance 800-1500m as I have much more oxygen to play with.
With the flip you have to judge it every time to the wall and out of it and sometimes get it wrong and I certainly can't do dolphin with a flip - I'm gasping for air - even though my flip is executed really smoothly and speedily!
I agree that the 'execution' of the flip turn is faster (very slightly if any gain) than the open turn, BUT it's the gain in oxygen/air with the open turn that could gain a substantially faster time in distance swimming overall...
I am wondering what other's think of this.
Parents
Former Member
After you give birth and feel more comfortable doing flip turns, you may see how most people prefer them. It does take work to get the timing right, and lose the fear of hitting your feet on the deck. I recall using 1/2 of practice time just to work on timing when I was really young. Once you get the timing down, there is no question, IMO, that flip turns are faster. Your breathing capacity can be helped by doing "no breathers" as far as you can underwater. You will notice a big improvement in a short amount of time.
Meanwhile...if you're planning on doing open turns, my advice is to alternate arms when coming into the wall. You will use your obliques as you bring your feet up to the wall, and if you alternate, you will alternate side muscles and keep each at equal strength.
Reply
Former Member
After you give birth and feel more comfortable doing flip turns, you may see how most people prefer them. It does take work to get the timing right, and lose the fear of hitting your feet on the deck. I recall using 1/2 of practice time just to work on timing when I was really young. Once you get the timing down, there is no question, IMO, that flip turns are faster. Your breathing capacity can be helped by doing "no breathers" as far as you can underwater. You will notice a big improvement in a short amount of time.
Meanwhile...if you're planning on doing open turns, my advice is to alternate arms when coming into the wall. You will use your obliques as you bring your feet up to the wall, and if you alternate, you will alternate side muscles and keep each at equal strength.
