200m IM Backstroke Turn Rules: Are You at Risk of Disqualification?
Question
I'm curious about the rule for turning from back to breast in the 200 meter IM. I usually finish the backstroke part like I'm finishing a backstroke race, meaning I throw back and touch and then turn to go into breaststroke. But somebody told me that since my feet broke the surface on the finish part of the backstroke before the turn that I could've been disqualified. Is that true?
Answer
Sam--
No, I don't believe that's true. You really don't want to throw back at the end of the backstroke, you should swim straight into the wall and carry your momentum through the turn. Any up and down movements slow you down.
Hope this helps,
George
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