I swim laps 2-3 times a week but I never learned how to do a flip turn. I don’t compete, but I think flip turns are a good skill to have so my practices can flow better. I’ve watched some YouTube videos that show how to do it, and I believe I can learn on my own, but I know it will take some trial and error. The thing is, everyone at the pool, including the lifeguards, will be watching me try and fail, and that makes me feel shy. So what should I do to learn flip turns without feeling silly at the pool? Should I consider private lessons or just go for it and look silly while learning by myself?
Don’t stress about looking silly. Everyone who didn’t grow up in teams looks a bit funny at first - it’s all part of learning!
Anik said:
Don’t stress about looking silly. Everyone who didn’t grow up in teams looks a bit funny at first - it’s all part of learning!
Haha that’s true. I thought I was a good swimmer until I joined a swim team. Even now, I still feel a bit silly in the water. As long as you’re swimming and not hurting yourself, it’s totally okay.
You’re surrounded by people in swimsuits and goggles. We all know we look kind of funny…
Clarke said:
You’re surrounded by people in swimsuits and goggles. We all know we look kind of funny…
Haha I sometimes forget that when I’m at the beach swimming in open water.
Here’s my suggestion - I learned flip turns during open swim times instead of lap swim. I just found a spot in the pool to practice. It’s great for trying flips without a wall. Plus, people are usually just playing around during family swim. Just don’t expect to get much lap time done then.
@Tegan
This is the best approach. I liked going to an open swim just before lane swim started. I would practice turns for the last 15 minutes of open swim, then use lane time to apply what I learned.
Montana said:
@Tegan
This is the best approach. I liked going to an open swim just before lane swim started. I would practice turns for the last 15 minutes of open swim, then use lane time to apply what I learned.
You’re right about that.
Can you learn flip turns by yourself? Yes, definitely, that’s how I did it. Will you look silly? Probably.
Uma said:
Can you learn flip turns by yourself? Yes, definitely, that’s how I did it. Will you look silly? Probably.
Haha yep that’s me! I keep forgetting which way is up whenever I try.
Start by practicing somersaults on dry land, then swim fast and try a somersault in the water. Once you’re comfortable, move to the wall. I teach kids like this as a swim coach.
Zahari said:
Start by practicing somersaults on dry land, then swim fast and try a somersault in the water. Once you’re comfortable, move to the wall. I teach kids like this as a swim coach.
That’s a solid tip, thank you!
Try going at a time when you have a lane to yourself and just go for it. Expect some mistakes, and be ready to get water up your nose. But trust me, you can do it! Once you get it down, it will come easy, like riding a bike.
You might look silly at first, but that’s part of learning. Check out YouTube for good videos to help you. One key thing is to practice flipping farther from the wall to avoid hurting your heels. Imagine jumping to grab a basketball - you’ll bend your knees, extend up, and push off with your toes. Good luck!
You probably won’t look silly. People generally know what you’re trying to do and we’ve all been there. If you’re still worried, go during recreational swim – you’ll blend in with all the kids.
Just go for it and embrace the silliness.
Just practice a lot, watch videos, and keep trying every time you swim. You will improve.
Do the flip. Anyone swimming won’t even notice you, and the few who might see you, like lifeguards, are just making sure you’re safe. Trust me, they’ve seen it all before.
It takes a lot of practice. Like others said, try for two lanes at first (I kept turning left), and practice somewhere shallow if you can. It’s tricky, but just relax and don’t overthink it. Once you feel comfy, flips will come more naturally. I’m still getting there, but I can swim 100m nonstop now.
I’m learning flips too and I’m worried about hitting my head in the shallow end that’s only 3 feet deep.