How To Do A Flip Turn Video

The flip turn is a swimming skill that takes a bit of practice to perfect. The flip turn increases speed when swimming laps. Get expert tips and advice in this swimming video.

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Way to change directions
Practice somersaults in water
Bring legs to chest
Dip chin
Tuck into ball
Flip into summersault
Spring off wall

About this Author

Phillip Toriello has 16 years of competitive swimming experience. 12 of those years he has been teaching and organizing swim events for swimmers of all levels and ages. He is has competed in all four strokes, and their corresponding events. Though his favorite race, is the individual medley. Phillip is the Aquatic Director at the high end Avila Bay Athletic Club.

PHILLIP TORIELLO: I am Phillip Toriello, and this is how to do a flip turn. The flip turn is the most preferred and most efficient way for a swimmer once they reach a wall to turn around and swim back towards the other wall. Not only does it help retain energy but it maintains the swimmers momentum as they go into the wall so they can spring off it just as quickly as they touch it. The basic concept of the flip turn is bringing your legs up towards your chest, dipping your chin down into your chest to the point as to where your forehead almost touches your knees, tucking into that little ball into flipping into a somersault. Once your feet are planted firmly on the wall and do not do anything else until they are planted firmly on the wall, you are still on that ball position, spring off the wall like a rocket. It is very simple but it also has a few details. Oftentimes, people want to come into that wall and before they even planted their feet, they'll open up, their head will be looking down at the bottom of the pool, and they will be wondering where they are at, thinking that swimming down is actually bringing them to the surface of the water when it is just the opposite. So basically just practice a simple somersault in the water by putting your forehead up to your knees, flipping around, practice the somersault a couple of times, then go ahead and go to a wall, place your hands on it, do your somersault, slowly plant your feet on the wall, once you feel the flats of your feet on the wall, spring off in a nice streamlined fashion off the wall. The more you practice, the better you will become. To learn more, visit a local swim instructor or swim coach in your community.

How to Do a Flip Turn Video

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