Backstroke Flipturn – Old Days vs. Present Day

In today’s video, we’re going to be looking at the evolution of the backstroke flip turn. I’ll compare the old turn that we used 30 plus years ago to the present day turn. First, we’ll look at how the old turn was performed.  Then, we’ll do a side by side comparison with today’s turn.

With the old turn, once you touched the wall, you would bring your knees to your chest and then swivel your hips towards the wall. Note that you stay on your back throughout the turn. Knees up, and twist. Turn those hips towards the wall. Note that I turn or twist towards the hand that is touching the wall.

With today’s backstroke flip turn, you’re allowed one freestyle stroke into the wall and you don’t have to touch the wall with your hand prior to the flip. This gives you a distinct advantage.

So, if your a Masters swimmer still using the old turn, there is an advantage in learning the new turn.