PDF download Download Article PDF download Download Article

A forward flip in the water is not all that challenging when you know how to do it. It is a little more challenging than the backflip, but the forward roll may help you if you plan on using it to execute a proper flip-turn while swimming laps.

  1. Begin by laying out on your stomach in the water. Keep your legs straight and as far out as the water as possible (if you would like to look nice while doing it).
  2. Turn your head to the side and take a deep breath in, before you begin your forward roll. [1]
    Advertisement
  3. Pull your knees in towards your chest and tuck your head in. The most desirable roll would include your nose touching your knees. If you would like to look nice, point your toes. Remember to hold this position for the rest of your roll. [2]
  4. Move your arms in a circular motion forward. Pull the water through and behind you to propel yourself upside down, all while keeping your body tucked in, knees to nose. [3]
  5. Once you're upside down, push the rest of the water up around you to spin back up right. Continue all the way around until you are vertical once again, but still in tucked into a ball. [4]
  6. Uncurl your body, straightening your legs and move your head so you are looking straight in front of you.
  7. Using the flutter kick, propel yourself back to the surface of the water. It is best to stay as close to the surface of the water as you can. It will look prettier and seem more impressive. If you would like to do the roll deeper though, this will still work. [5]
  8. Come up and enjoy a nice breath of air that you may have been craving throughout the roll. Be careful not to breathe in to early though, or you may inhale a big gulp of water.
  9. For a tumble turn, use the same method for this forward roll, but, once you have finished the roll, stay under the water, go onto your back, push the wall with your feet and turn back over onto your stomach.
  10. Advertisement

How Can You Prevent Water From Getting Into Your Nose When You Flip Underwater?

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    I have a shallow pool. Is it OK to do flips?
    Purple owly
    Community Answer
    No. You will probably hit your head on the floor.
  • Question
    My nose and ears hurt in the process. Any tips?
    Community Answer
    If your nose hurts, probably because you haven't blown enough in the water to keep you through. If your ears hurt, don't panic, it'll get better it's just the water in your ear.
  • Question
    What should I do to prevent breathing in too much water through my nose?
    Community Answer
    Try purchasing a nose piece, this will help keep water from entering your nose.
See more answers
Ask a Question
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Before you do the flip focus on something directly in front of you; when you come back up you should be directly in front of the same thing.
      • It might be easier if you push off the wall of the pool to boost yourself forward, but make sure you push hard because your body could scrape the wall.
      • Make sure water doesn't get into your nose--you may have to breathe through it. You'll be going rather forcefully underwater and you don't want to get water up your nose because it hurts.
      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • The water needs to be neck height or higher, or you will get hurt. Also, be well away from others.
      Advertisement

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 61,044 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Gwen Gilbert

        Sep 6, 2017

        "It looked easy, better that just words."
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement