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Turns - Late-Hands Flip

Posted by Glenn Mills on Apr 13, 2010 09:13AM (16,888 views)

When first learning how to do an effective flip turn, many people try to use the hands to help them get the turn started.  But then they get caught, and are unable to finish the rotation.  Here's an easy point to remember to help you snap those turns.


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Why Do It:
Even accomplished swimmers can focus on this point to make sure they're snapping the legs around on the flip turn.

How to Do It:
1. 
 This is a very simple drill because all it takes is timing "when" you push your hands toward your shoulders to aid in the rotation of the flip.  Approach the wall as you normally would for a turn.
2.  Initiate the turn by ducking your head, which will get the front half of your body through the turn almost effortlessly.
3.  Turn your palms toward the bottom of the pool and as soon as you can see your knees, push your hands toward your shoulders.
4.  The further your torso is rotated around prior to pushing toward your shoulders with your hands, the more this move will help get the legs over the top for the flip.
5.  Plant your feet on the wall and push off.

How to Do It Really Well (the Fine Points):
Think of the actual flip in two simple steps:  1) duck the head to get the torso through, and 2) push the hands to snap the legs over.  

For those of you who are learning the turn, and this clip of video looks all too familiar... stalling, sinking, having a hard time getting all the way over... chances are you're either not using the hands properly, or simply trying to use them too early.

Keep practicing, and make sure you use the hands in the second stage of the flip turn.




Responses

Responded Apr 13, 2010 04:52PM

For sure this is something on which I have to work a lot.

Responded Apr 13, 2010 07:02PM

This is the first time I have received a notice that your video is not available in my area when I click to play!!!! What has changed? Micaela from Germany

Responded Apr 13, 2010 07:15PM

For those having trouble with YouTube, keep this website handy:
http://goswimtv.blip.tv/

Responded Apr 13, 2010 07:23PM

Great stuff as usual.

Responded Apr 14, 2010 05:57AM

On the video the swimmer brings her hands quite close to the shoulders. Is this an individual thing or the way it has to be? I do the same hand movement when flip turning but my arms bend just a little more than 90degrees.

Responded Apr 14, 2010 08:55AM

Um, what happened to quiet hands/arms in previous drills? I thought you were wanting the hands to stay close to the surface of the water in the other drills and let your body flip, with your hands all ready to go in streamline.

Is that a "learn to do" drill and this a more advanced, powerful way to execute turns?

Responded Apr 14, 2010 09:37AM

I have the same question as Isobel. I always try to leave my hands as close to the surface as possible. I will try to press them toward my shoulders to see the difference. But is it a drill or the way it has to be done ?

Responded Apr 14, 2010 09:56AM

Heading into the pool but very quickly... Nothing is ever HOW it HAS to be done. Far hands flip keeps your hands ready for the streamline. I still focus on that because my momentum is generally sufficient to finish the entire turn. For newer swimmers, this extra focus really helps get the legs over the top, which is usually the place people get stuck. Remember, not every drill is meant for every swimmer. Pick and choose the ideas that are right for you. :)

Edited Apr 14, 2010 12:33PM
Responded Apr 14, 2010 12:35PM

I gave it a try : first turns, I turned too much and found myself vertical in the water. Then I pressed my hands just slightly and felt the motion. I guess I don't really need this focus, but it was funny experimenting. Thank you.

Responded Apr 14, 2010 02:23PM

When I can remember to do it, this little turn and push of the hands does help get my feet over and it helps me control the tuck a little better. It makes the whole tumble feel more consolidated. It does take a while before this extra motion feels natural and automatic -- but for me it's been worth it.

Responded Apr 15, 2010 02:27PM

Hi Glenn - I really like your video star swimmer! And I'm not just buttering her up to give me a break in practice. - You state above: "Far hands flip keeps your hands ready for the streamline. I still focus on that because my momentum is generally sufficient to finish the entire turn." How about a video on Far-hands-flip starring Rachel or that wizard from a previous video? - Al K

Responded Apr 15, 2010 02:32PM

Thanks for the comments Al...Tomorrow morning will now be 1% easier :-) Here is a link to our Far-hands-flip drill. Its not me in it but a few very talented swimmers demonstrating the skill well.

http://www.goswim.tv/entries/4042/freestyl...

Responded Apr 20, 2010 10:12AM

cool i call it a great drill

Responded Apr 21, 2010 08:05AM

Thanks...this drill and description of the flip transformed my turns! This was for me...

Responded Mar 03, 2011 02:35AM

hello..here there is coach?

Responded May 14, 2011 09:10AM

very very helpful, this drill has helped me with faster and smoother flip turns


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