How to Do a Freestyle Flip turn

Although a flip turn may seem like something only competitive swimmers do, it can be easy to get the hang of and can shave minutes off your freestyle time. By following these easy steps and investing a little practice time, you'll be a flip turn pro in no time.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Goggles
• Pool with an end at least 7 feet deep and a flat edge

1. Practice performing forward somersaults completely underwater in the deeper side of the pool. Start off doing these flips slowly and making sure you can get your bearings even while upside down. Then start flipping a little faster, always focusing on what way you're facing in reference to the bottom and side of the pool.

2. Start your freestroke toward the side of the pool. When you get about two to three feet from the pool, stop your stroke.

3. Curl into a ball and do a forward half somersault putting your head in the water closest to the wall. Go slowly and keep your bearings so you know when your feet are now the closest to the wall.

4. When you are in position with your head in the direction you want to go and your feet closest to the wall, break out of the ball by extending your arms above your head (like you would if you were diving).

5. Straighten your legs carefully until you feel the wall behind your feet. Quickly push off the wall with both feet simultaneously.

6. Allow yourself to glide in this position until your speed slows.

7. Resume the freestyle stroke.

Tips & Warnings

• Start out slowly. Your first few practice turns should be slow and methodical until you get the hang of it. Then the flip turn will feel more like a fluid motion and you will feel more comfortable pushing hard off the wall and gaining speed.
• Practice approaching the wall and starting your turn several times before completing it. Allow yourself to get a good feel of the distance you'll need from the wall to complete your turn without hitting the wall.
• Do not perform flip turns in shallow water.
• Be sure to give yourself enough room to the wall before starting a turn.
• Go SLOWLY at first so your feet, legs or head do not hit the wall.

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[Kilogramm]

on 8/11/2008 Sounds like something I'm going to have to try!