I know how to do a basic flip turn however not well. None of my flips are consistent and they definitely slow me down during practice and in meets. Any suggestions or tips that could help? Thanks!
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Former Member
I think a flip turn will always be more aerobically demanding than an open turn, but faster.
When my arms are tired the short rest they get with a flipturn helps a lot. I have no underwater kick so my streamline is shorter than others who burn energy with a strong SDK. YMMV.
I've seen some never-tried-a-flipturn swimmers learn quickly with these steps:
Learn the somersault portion away from the wall so you don't worry about whacking your heels and misjudging walls at first.
Find water about 4-1/2 feet deep where you can do a little push off the bottom. Do a full somersault at first landing on the bottom , then learn how to quit so you finish on your back still tucked. Simulate the wall pushoff by thrusting both legs.
Try a somersault with your neck arched back/chin jutted out. It's almost impossible. Then try it with your chin tucked to your sternum. Note the difference.
Master your air control just doing somersaults before you progress to full turns.
Use a fast tight stomach crunch to initiate the somersault instead of flailing both arms around. So many beginners get the somersault done, have their feet on the wall, then have to re-orient to get their hands into position for a streamlined pushoff.
Whether you do an open turn or flip, set a goal to do a great streamline every turn no matter how tired you are.
I think a flip turn will always be more aerobically demanding than an open turn, but faster.
When my arms are tired the short rest they get with a flipturn helps a lot. I have no underwater kick so my streamline is shorter than others who burn energy with a strong SDK. YMMV.
I've seen some never-tried-a-flipturn swimmers learn quickly with these steps:
Learn the somersault portion away from the wall so you don't worry about whacking your heels and misjudging walls at first.
Find water about 4-1/2 feet deep where you can do a little push off the bottom. Do a full somersault at first landing on the bottom , then learn how to quit so you finish on your back still tucked. Simulate the wall pushoff by thrusting both legs.
Try a somersault with your neck arched back/chin jutted out. It's almost impossible. Then try it with your chin tucked to your sternum. Note the difference.
Master your air control just doing somersaults before you progress to full turns.
Use a fast tight stomach crunch to initiate the somersault instead of flailing both arms around. So many beginners get the somersault done, have their feet on the wall, then have to re-orient to get their hands into position for a streamlined pushoff.
Whether you do an open turn or flip, set a goal to do a great streamline every turn no matter how tired you are.
