How to Do a Front Flip Underwater

Learning to do a front flip underwater is an important part of learning to swim. Use the flip to turn as you complete laps or simply flip to show off your skills to friends. If you do a front flip incorrectly, you may end slowing yourself down, as improper form creates drag. Breathing properly is also important when flipping underwater. If you don't push air out of your nose, you'll end up inhaling water, which is extremely uncomfortable.

Things You'll Need

  • Swimsuit
  • Pool
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Instructions

    • 1

      Hop in the pool on the shallow end. If the pool is divided into lanes, stand in one lane.

    • 2

      Lie on your stomach in the water about four feet away from the wall of the pool. Your head should point toward the wall at the end of the lane. You should float just below the surface of the water.

    • 3

      Lift one arm up into the air as if you were about to swim a stroke. Bring your arm back down into the water. As you lower your arm, tuck your chin into your neck and start to push down into the water with your head and chest.

    • 4

      Bring your thighs toward your chest as you push down into the water. Bend your knees so that your legs form an "L." You should be lying underwater at this point with your stomach and face facing upward.

    • 5

      Straighten your legs so that you are once again lying flat in the water. As you straighten your legs, your arms should move overhead and extend above your head. Roll your body over so that your face is down in the water. Push your arms open to finish the flip and push yourself forward through the water.