How to Get Disqualified Swimming an Individual Medley

An individual medley is made up of the 4 competitive swimming strokes; butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle. The strokes must be performed in the correct order and the rules of each stroke and turn must be followed to avoid disqualification.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Start with a stroke other than butterfly. Individual medleys must be performed in the following order: Butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle. Altering that order will result in a disqualification.

2. Touch the wall with 1 hand when swimming the butterfly or breaststroke leg of the medley. A 2-hand touch is mandatory when turning and finishing the butterfly and breaststroke legs of the individual medley.

3. Swim a stroke other than freestyle, or front crawl, during the freestyle portion of the medley. Unlike a regular freestyle race where other strokes are permitted, an individual medley must include 4 different strokes, which requires you to swim front crawl to avoid disqualification.

4. Fail to touch the wall during turns or at the end of the individual medley. Each stroke must be finished before starting the next stroke. You must touch the wall with your hands or feet, depending on the stroke you are swimming.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you use the turn for the stroke you are finishing, not the stroke you are about to swim.
• Remember to adhere to all the rules for each stroke during an individual medley. Pulling on lane lines, pushing off the bottom, and failing to touch the wall during turns and finishes during any leg of the medley can disqualify you.

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