Feet Straight Up or at Slight Angle on the wall in Flip Turn
Former Member
I saw two videos saying different about whether feet should be planted on the wall straight up or at a small angle during flip turn.
At 1'20'' in a goswim video, Glenn Mills suggested 10-11 o'clock rather than 12 o'clock
YouTube- Swimming - Turns - Freestyle Flip Turn Step #5
At 30'' in a Race Club Camp video, Gary Hall Sr. suggested straight up
YouTube- The Race Club Summer Camp Flip Turns
I was wondering which one is better or in what case which one is better?
Thanks!
Parents
Former Member
A flip turn should be looked at as a jumping motion and track starting motion. I believe you can get off the wall quicker on you back so the feet should be pointing up (back straigth until you're off the wall). A staggered position is okay if you can get them on the wall at the same time (tricky for some swimmers). I've never seen an NBA player (during a jump-ball) or sprinter out of the blocks, twisting and even if they're not swimming they're trying to achieve the same things we are, and that's getting away from the starting point with the most efficiency and the most power. A power position means your not 90 degrees (at the knees) but slightly less and getting your feet (the bottom of your feet) in full contact with the wall is important. If you watch the great swimmers, some look like they're pushing off more on their toes but if you look closely they move into the wall as if they're on a trampoline and most of both feet are on the wall. The arms are in a streamlined position as the feet touch. The body is as rigid as possible until the body is away from the wall and kicking too soon is a big mistake. The greatest velocity off the wall is right when it's leaving and to incorporate a SDK or Free kick to soon slows you down. The objective analysis by timing yourself trying different methods is important. I like feeling comfortable but if getting faster turns is your objective, comfort takes a backseat. Good luck, Coach T.
Reply
Former Member
A flip turn should be looked at as a jumping motion and track starting motion. I believe you can get off the wall quicker on you back so the feet should be pointing up (back straigth until you're off the wall). A staggered position is okay if you can get them on the wall at the same time (tricky for some swimmers). I've never seen an NBA player (during a jump-ball) or sprinter out of the blocks, twisting and even if they're not swimming they're trying to achieve the same things we are, and that's getting away from the starting point with the most efficiency and the most power. A power position means your not 90 degrees (at the knees) but slightly less and getting your feet (the bottom of your feet) in full contact with the wall is important. If you watch the great swimmers, some look like they're pushing off more on their toes but if you look closely they move into the wall as if they're on a trampoline and most of both feet are on the wall. The arms are in a streamlined position as the feet touch. The body is as rigid as possible until the body is away from the wall and kicking too soon is a big mistake. The greatest velocity off the wall is right when it's leaving and to incorporate a SDK or Free kick to soon slows you down. The objective analysis by timing yourself trying different methods is important. I like feeling comfortable but if getting faster turns is your objective, comfort takes a backseat. Good luck, Coach T.
