@Denny
I took many lessons at the YMCA, but we weren’t taught flip turns.
Echo said:
@Denny
I took many lessons at the YMCA, but we weren’t taught flip turns.
Flip turns are an advanced technique they didn’t teach. But I have taught my advanced students how to do them, including swim team kids and others.
Everyone learns at some point. Take your last stroke, glide in, get close, tuck your head down, breathe out, and your feet will go naturally to the wall. You won’t hit your heels. If you do, it won’t hurt. Just start trying.
I’m on the same path. Learning flip turns is tougher than mastering butterfly stroke in my opinion. Don’t obsess over what others think; they’re too focused on swimming.
Use a dolphin kick to start your flip turn.
If you’re worried about looking funny, just let others know you’re working on a skill. Start a little behind the flags to practice flip turns until you’re comfortable.
I am also learning flip turns. I worry about looking silly, so I sometimes bring a friend to practice with me. Laughing together makes it easier to not care about what others think. It’s more fun and you can still get good practice in.
You might look a bit silly at first, but if you keep at it and succeed, you’ll earn respect from onlookers. I was lucky to practice flip turns in a nearly empty pool with viewers who likely couldn’t do any better.
Try going to the kids’ area (if there is one) to work on flips without the wall at first. Swim a couple of strokes, then tuck your head and use your arms to flip over. Once that feels good, move to the wall. The tricky part is getting the distance right, but practice will help.
When I learned, I asked people with swimming experience for tips and watched videos. I had a great swim coach at my pool who offered to help me. I’m lucky to have had good mentors throughout my journey.
Like with most things, no one really cares. Just stay out of busy lanes and watch out for others, maybe shift slightly to avoid a bump.
Focus less on how you look and practice flipping without the wall first. Form is key, and you don’t always need the wall for that. No one will notice.
If you’re really worried about looking awkward, try to find someone who has good flip turns and ask if they can give you pointers. Most people won’t mind, and it can feel like a lesson.
Aven said:
If you’re really worried about looking awkward, try to find someone who has good flip turns and ask if they can give you pointers. Most people won’t mind, and it can feel like a lesson.
I’m not sure this is a good idea. Most competitive swimmers doing their own thing don’t like interruptions. If you want a proper lesson, finding an instructor is a better choice.
Try practicing front rolls on dry land. Record yourself to see how they look. Start slow if needed. Once you feel secure, try it in the water but away from the wall. Get confident before getting closer. If you’re in decent shape, you should be fine using the wall. But I did see a 17-year-old hit his head during a flip and end up with a concussion.