How to Control Which Side to Turn to in Flip Turn?
Former Member
I have been practicing flip turn for some while. All my turns are to my right side. I intentionally try to turn to the left but mostly fail. However I have seen many other swimmers turn to their left most of the time.
I was wondering what are the critical points that control which side to turn to?
I guess mastering this will help me to get a better feeling and balance under the water. Do you also think so?
Thanks!
Parents
Former Member
My first thought was also that it doesn't matter which side you turn to, but now I'm reconsidering.
I modified my turns a little bit a few years ago when a coach pointed out that I should always take the first stroke off the wall with the arm that is towards the bottom of the pool. Since I turn to the left (left side down), this is always my left arm.
Now I'm thinking that it might be better to take my first stroke with my right arm (dominant side), so that on laps with an odd number of strokes I get to use my stronger side more. If so, I should be turning to the right.
I can tell that attempting to turn the other way will feel very odd. And it may wreak havoc on circle swimming for a while, as I doubt I'll come off the wall straight at first.
My first thought was also that it doesn't matter which side you turn to, but now I'm reconsidering.
I modified my turns a little bit a few years ago when a coach pointed out that I should always take the first stroke off the wall with the arm that is towards the bottom of the pool. Since I turn to the left (left side down), this is always my left arm.
Now I'm thinking that it might be better to take my first stroke with my right arm (dominant side), so that on laps with an odd number of strokes I get to use my stronger side more. If so, I should be turning to the right.
I can tell that attempting to turn the other way will feel very odd. And it may wreak havoc on circle swimming for a while, as I doubt I'll come off the wall straight at first.
