How to Do a Racing Flip in a Pool

Successfully executing a flip turn while swimming is a matter of exact timing. Make the flip too soon and you end up flailing in the water and lose any momentum you had; turn too late and you end up crashing into the wall. Using your hands to guide you through the water will allow you to know exactly when to begin your flip and launch into the somersault in the water that allows you to execute a racing flip in the pool.

Instructions

    • 1

      Kick yourself into the wall as opposed to pulling yourself into the wall. Reach out with your fingers to touch the wall.

    • 2

      Launch yourself into a half somersault. Pull yourself up into a tuck, moving your knees up to eye level the moment you feel the wall at your fingertips. Tuck the heels of your feet as close as possible to your buttocks.

    • 3

      Pull your hands beneath the water away from the wall as your momentum carries you toward the wall. Push down with the palms of your hands into the pool and take a quick breath.

    • 4

      Allow your feet to touch the wall with your toes pointing skyward and your back facing the bottom of the pool.

    • 5

      Kick off the wall in that same position, then twist so that your back is facing upward and your arms are extended fully in front of you close together and pointed in the direction you are swimming.

    • 6

      Launch into your swimming stroke and kick.