tumble turn

Question
Hello Iain

I'll like to know when I do the freestyle tumble turn, when I flip over, my hand tend to be at the side of my body instead of should be in front ie near the surface of water (or front of head). How do I rectify this?

Thank you. Your reply is very much appreciated.

Sincerely

Eddie

Answer

Hi,

That抯 correct, when you approach the wall your last stroke is to pull your hand towards you and then you tuck up in a small ball and your feet go over the top as you literally tumble into the wall. Your hands can be used to help you turn a little bit, but your arms will be by your side or tucked in, in front of you as you should be in a tight ball position as you tumble. You then extend your rams forward as you push off the wall with both feet.

What you should be working to do next is the "flip turn". This involves, throwing over ( flipping) your legs in a more open and slightly bent position. Not in a ball as you would in a tumble turn. This is quicker and you do it at speed as you approach the wall. The momentum of you swimming fast to the wall helps you to flip juts before the wall, and you will land closer to the wall with that momentum.

The tumble turn is for a slower pace approach and should be considered the first part to you eventually learning to do a flip turn.

Thanks