Is it possible to learn flip turns as a 50-year-old? I’ve tried and tried, but it just doesn’t click for me. I know they make you faster, but it feels like a lost cause.
As a 54-year-old, I can say it’s not only possible to learn for freestyle, but also for backstroke.
Go for it!
Logan said:
As a 54-year-old, I can say it’s not only possible to learn for freestyle, but also for backstroke.
Go for it!
A backflip? Wow!
Logan said:
As a 54-year-old, I can say it’s not only possible to learn for freestyle, but also for backstroke.
Go for it!
A backflip? Wow!
There is the crossover or suicide turn, but it’s typically only used for transitioning from backstroke to breaststroke during IM events. For backstroke, it’s a regular flip turn after turning onto your stomach before hitting the wall.
Logan said:
As a 54-year-old, I can say it’s not only possible to learn for freestyle, but also for backstroke.
Go for it!
A backflip? Wow!
Lol, no. Just watch some YouTube videos.
@Logan
No, you turn onto your stomach for backstroke turns in swimming; otherwise, it’s not swimming but something else.
Transition turns mentioned are only relevant within individual medley swims.
Zaden said:
@Logan
No, you turn onto your stomach for backstroke turns in swimming; otherwise, it’s not swimming but something else.
Transition turns mentioned are only relevant within individual medley swims.
See synchronized swimming. 
I didn’t try until my 50s. I had to stop overthinking and just do it; then it clicked for me, and I couldn’t go back.
I taught kids to flip turn by having them hold two kickboards, one in each hand, down by their waist. They kick headfirst into a wall and somersault. The boards keep their hands busy and help them focus on using their core for the flip. You should end up with your feet at the wall and your hands in front of you. Hope that helps!
@Nevin
I did the same with foam dumbbells from water aerobics.
Find a deep section of the pool and learn how to tumble forward completely. This will get you used to breath control, the movement, and remove the risk of hitting the wall. Practice rolling forward multiple times, using your hands to help rotate. Then, float on your front, take a few strokes, pivot forward, and execute the same tumble. Essentially, it’s a flip turn away from the wall. Do this each time you swim for a few minutes.
Work on your back flexibility on dry land as well—can you touch your toes?
(Edited for typos and breathing)
@Jalen
Thanks for the tips! I’m not super flexible but I can touch my toes.
Quillan said:
@Jalen
Thanks for the tips! I’m not super flexible but I can touch my toes.
That’s more than I could do at a similar age when I learned!
It’s never too late to learn! Unless you have a physical limitation, it’s all about timing and practice.
If you can get into the fetal position, you can do a flip turn.
Marley said:
If you can get into the fetal position, you can do a flip turn.
Yes, but how do I get the pool underneath my desk?
Marley said:
If you can get into the fetal position, you can do a flip turn.
Yes, but how do I get the pool underneath my desk?
That’s the funniest comment I’ve seen this month.
Yes! I taught myself flip turns at 57 years old seven years ago. I’d been swimming sporadically for 40 years mostly training for triathlons, but in 2017 I committed full-time and started swimming three times a week. Eventually, I realized I needed to learn flip turns for a more productive workout. After much trial and error, I cracked it and have been doing flip turns ever since. It’s possible after 50!
You definitely can! It’s likely that you’ll develop an older style of side slip turn rather than the speedy over-the-top maneuver typical of competitive swimmers. Start there—don’t feel pressured to mimic an Olympic-style flip.
@Crosby
Are there references for that style of flip turn? I can’t find any online.