turns

Question
Hi George,

I was never taught how to flip turn but would like to know if there is an alternative turn to do when you reach the end of the pool. OR could you tell me how one does the flip turn properly?

Thanks, Caroline

Answer
Caroline-
The only alternative to a flip turn is the open turn(touch the wall with your hand, turn around, and push off).
To do a flip turn you need to be able to do a somersault.  All a flip turn is, is half a somersault, put your feet on the wall and push off.  The hard part is learning how close to the wall you need to be to get you feet on the wall.  You don't want to be too close or you can't push off quickly, you should be close enough so that when you put your feet on the wall your body is positioned like you are sitting on a chair.  This is the best position to be able to push off from.
Hope this helps,
George