North said:
I’m learning flips too and I’m worried about hitting my head in the shallow end that’s only 3 feet deep.
I haven’t heard of anyone getting hurt like that, but if you’re nervous, try starting your flips at the deep end.
North said:
I’m learning flips too and I’m worried about hitting my head in the shallow end that’s only 3 feet deep.
Don’t stress too much – three feet is usually enough on the shallow side. Just remember, you’re not aiming to go down much - just tuck your chin and flip. You may bump your butt more than anything else. And be ready to miss the wall and hit your heels instead!
Check out this channel: https://youtu.be/FDM-WuklAqc?feature=shared. They break skills into drills you can practice, and there’s no reason to feel silly wanting to learn something new.
Journey said:
Check out this channel: https://youtu.be/FDM-WuklAqc?feature=shared. They break skills into drills you can practice, and there’s no reason to feel silly wanting to learn something new.
Thanks for sharing that video.
What my kids, who are lifeguards and swim coaches, told me when I started trying to flip turn was that nobody is really paying attention to you.
Just go for it. You can’t look much worse than I do. I swim 3k every day and honestly look like a drowning goldfish when I try flip turns. I need to work on them too. One tip - get a nose clip to save yourself some trouble until you’re more comfortable.
@Vanya
And don’t forget to blow bubbles if you’re not using a clip. That helps keep water out of your nose.
Everyone looks a bit silly learning flip turns. But the important part is that no one is really watching you. If they do notice, they’ll likely think it’s cool that you are learning.
People will see you trying and failing and will respect that you are learning something new.
You won’t look silly. You’ll look like someone learning flip turns, and everyone else in the pool has been there too.
I give it about 10 tries in a quiet spot every session. I feel more awkward at not being able to do it than trying. It’s all part of the process. No one is really watching you - just keep telling yourself that. You’ll feel silly until you get it right, but that’s how it goes.
It took me a few months of swimming a few times a week to get the hang of flip turns. I had plenty of blown flips and swallowed a lot of water. Having an instructor would speed things up, but you can definitely teach yourself.
I have a lot of respect for anyone practicing, no matter what level they are at. Just give it a shot!
Nile said:
I have a lot of respect for anyone practicing, no matter what level they are at. Just give it a shot!
I always include flip turn drills in my routine. I train everyone from beginners to competitive swimmers, even those who want to learn flips during indoor workouts when it’s too cold outside.
If you’re in a 25-meter pool and are doing about 2500 meters per session, make flip turns part of your routine. That’s 100 turns without thinking. In time, you’ll get better at them, and you can then add dolphin kicks off the wall to improve even more.
@Keegan
I can do dolphin kicks, but they make me tired. I don’t do them often because of that. Maybe my technique isn’t right, or I need to work on my lung capacity.
Echo said:
@Keegan
I can do dolphin kicks, but they make me tired. I don’t do them often because of that. Maybe my technique isn’t right, or I need to work on my lung capacity.
You already have the lung capacity, you just have to train your body and mind to stay calm and not gasp for air. Try swimming where you breathe every 6 strokes or more, and stay as relaxed as you can. Eventually, you’ll get strong enough to swim 50 meters underwater with a breaststroke or dolphin kick. Just take it slow and don’t rush.
Just let go of your pride - everyone looks funny learning. Trust me, you won’t look as silly as you think. When I was learning flips, my instructor and I would practice jumping and flipping in the middle of the pool, and I’d come up with a nose full of water. If possible, get some lessons, and don’t be afraid to fail. Expect to struggle a bit when learning.
I wonder about this too!
Have you thought about taking swimming lessons? In my adult class, no one knew how to do flip turns. Honestly, everyone looks a bit silly when starting, but it’s hard to practice if you can’t get a lane for yourself.