Q&A for How to Do a Flip Turn (Freestyle)

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Question

After the flip I end up in deep water and have to swim up, using too much air. What do I do?

Isabella Jiwon Moreno

Community Answer

Try to angle yourself up and do your break out (three dolphin kicks and two strokes) before you breathe so you don't use as much air. Also, try humming, that make the air last a bit longer.

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Question

What happens if water gets in your nose, and you suck all the water in, which makes it feel really weird?

Community Answer

You'll be just fine. Try blowing out when you flip so this doesn't happen.

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Question

For 50 meters, do I need to do a flip turn?

Bella.561

Community Answer

Olympic-length pools are 50 meters, so you would not need to do a flip turn in a pool of that length. However, most pools are only 25 meters/yards, and in such a pool, you would need to do a flip turn.

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Question

Should I use the flip turn in long distance events?

Community Answer

Yes.

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Question

Where do I keep my arms?

Community Answer

In a race, it is a good idea to have your hands at your side. But while you start off, use your arms to help you. When you feel ready put more power in your legs and less in your arms.

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Question

What is the butterfly kick?

Community Answer

The butterfly kick is where your legs go up and down in a wave motion. It's also known as the dolphin kick.

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Question

I'm really scared about trying this. What can I do to boost my confidence?

Community Answer

Tell yourself that you can do it. It might help to have a friend watch you and encourage you. Before you perform the flip turn, target the place where you want to flip with your eyes. Just be confident!

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Question

Do I get disqualified if I start a stroke too early? Is there a certain distance I have to go after the flip turn?

Community Answer

No, there is no specific regulation for this.

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Question

How do I do a flip turn in swimming?

Community Answer

This move is very complicated but can be learned very quickly with proper training. First when you reach about 2 yards before the wall start getting mentally prepared. Strengthen your body and push your stroke harder. Next when your about a foot away from the wall arch your back in a flipping position. Now only do half of a flip and when your almost finished, push off the wall with your feet. Push really hard and quickly go into streamline.

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Question

Is it absolutely mandatory to do a flip turn for a 50 yd swim in a 25 yd pool? Will I get disqualified if I don't?

Rey Starchaser

Top Answerer

It depends. If you're at practice or just swimming recreationally, then no. However, most competitions prefer it if you do a flip turn. Not only will it make you a better swimmer, it will decrease your overall time as well. Ask your coach or instructor to be sure.

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Question

When I do my flip turn I'm on my back, but I end up going sideways. What do I do?

Community Answer

That's fine. It is supposed to be that way. You can either push off the wall, and then with every dolphin kick, rotate until you are on your stomach, or you can continue doing dolphin kicks on your side. That is called a "fish kick," and it can be faster than dolphin kicking on your stomach.

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Question

Should I swim naked in a public pool and then do the flip turn?

Community Answer

Do not swim naked in a public pool. Flip turns are for fast transitions between lengths in races, and unnecessary for casual swimming.

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Question

Should I put my feet over the bold marks in the vertical wall of my pool and push off?

Community Answer

You could. You should make sure you don't push too low or too high, though, seeing as pushing too low you'll hit the floor and too high you'll surface to fast. The marks are kind of slippery though, so you might want to put your feet next to them.

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Question

What if the pool doesn't have a T to mark when doing a flip turn?

Community Answer

Try doing a stationary flip turn close enough to touch the pool wall. Once you hit the wall and think you can do a flip turn successfully, try to keep a mental "T" or "mark" when you come near the pool edge. Once you know your boundaries for those situations, it's fairly easy to get your T/mark on your first try in any pool.

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Question

If the water is stuck up my nose, is there a possibility I might have a nosebleed?

Tom De Backer

Top Answerer

No. These two things are unrelated. Water won't get stuck in your nose - there's nothing for it to be stuck behind. You can gasp and gurgle and generally have breathing mishaps under water where water enters your nose and the like, but none of these are really harmful. And unless you have a prior condition, I don't see any way a little water in your nose could result in a nosebleed.

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Question

How many strokes should I do before taking a breath?

Community Answer

You should normally be taking one breath per stroke - left arm, breath on right in arch, repeat.

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Question

What happens if I'm underwater and I start losing control? What do I do?

Community Answer

First, try not to touch the bottom, as you can get disqualified for that. Just touch the wall, and continue your stroke.

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Question

I don't touch the wall when I do my flip turn. How do I locate the wall?

Community Answer

Count your strokes from five meters to the end, then take one stroke off. Swim from five meters and do your flip turn when you reach the second number of strokes that you counted.

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Question

What if I can't swim?

Ann Wilson

Community Answer

Try and find yourself some swim lessons so that you can learn. Then, you can learn this skill along with swimming.

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Question

Can I get disqualified if I miss the wall in a meet/relay?

Community Answer

Yes, otherwise you are cutting the swim short. You must always touch the wall and use the correct rules per stroke you are swimming.

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Question

Is there a way to keep water from rushing into my ears?

Community Answer

You can wear a swim cap over your ears, which will prevent the rush of water. There are also some water earplugs you can get that are designed for people with swimmer's ear.

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Question

Would I get disqualified if I did dolphin kicks underwater after a freestyle flip turn?

Community Answer

You're actually supposed to do that! Right after a flip turn, do dolphin kicks to propel you back up to the surface. You will get disqualified though if you keep doing dolphin kicks after the 15 metre mark, it's usually shown using a red line.

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Question

Why do I keep choking on water when I do my flip turn?

Mb_c23c9834661f

Community Answer

Because you are not breathing out as you do your flip turn. When you are performing your flip turn, be sure to blow bubbles so that you don't get water in your nose or choke.

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