Those dreaded flips

[swiminto]

Ruslan, in regards to that "Waterfall Drill" I agree with you, that drill is a more advanced drill for swimmers that have experience and can flip already. Also I did notice that none of the pictures showed the person actually using their hands in the flip phase. However, I think this was done more illustrate how one can use the water to their advantage, and how a properly executed flip should feel on the body. I could be wrong though.

Also on while this thread is about flip turns, the latest issue of "Swimmers World," has an article on the advantages of doing a "Split Feet" flip turn. Again, this is a turn that is for the more advanced swimmer, but I just thought I would throw it out there and see what you guys think.

Basically, the way most people do a flip turn is with the knees and legs "squeezed" together, while the body rotates and does a slight twist, so that the feet hit the wall perpendicular to the pool bottom(basically hit the wall on your side) then you push off. The "split feet" turn involves the same entry into the turn, however, instead of putting the knees and legs together, you hit the wall with feet apart, and on your back. Then you push off and rotate onto the stomach as you are going through the water, making sure to keep a streamlined position. The article mentions that this type of turn gives more power, since the feet are in line with the hips as the push off occurs.

I am going to try it tonight, if I can get my swim workout in, and see how it feels. Again, I would not recommend doing this flip with a lot of people in the lane or if you are inexperienced with flip turns, the push off on the back can be disorientating. (just my .02 cents worth.)

[swiminto]

hmm, where is my post on the variation of the flipturn??? Did I do say something wrong and the post was deleted?

[Jimbo]

Originally Posted by Ruslan Kedik

Way to go Jimbo! Take us through what felt right and what didn't? Are you practicing your drills?

I'm trying to improve on everything swimming wise, stroke, kick, flip, breathing. So I have to admit that I haven't made a concentrated effort on just one thing. I guess I really should. But my kick is pitiful, my strokes are average at best, my flips...well...you know about that.

Over all, I'm trying to get a feel for the water and how to best position my body while swimming.

So with all that tweaking going on, I'm not in a pattern yet. I know I will be in time. Every so often, something feels right and I move faster, more fluid, through the water. I've never done anything that required so much awareness of doing so many things at once. But at least I'm beginning to have a few moments when things seem right. The position, kick, stroke, breathing all feel in line. So, yeah, I guess I'm making progress as long as I can have more of those moments in the water.

But you asked about my flip. It seems like I'm feeling more comfortable on the approach (when to start the flip) and the flip itself feels better. However, the push off the wall and the position of my body isn't always paralell to the bottom. Sometimes I'm at an angle pushing me deeper or I shoot up to the top. I have continued to remain on my back for the push off and have not worried so much about turning back over on my stomach so it's not like I'm trying to do that and getting skewed in the process.

I tried standing in the shallow end and flipping over to my feet. That goes fine with no problems as far as I can tell.

So my main part of the flip to fix is my position as I kick off the wall.

Sorry so long.