swimming turns coaching — Swimming Turns — Complete Guide for Coaches | NIRMAKO NIRMAKO Home Swim Coaches Freestyle Annual Plan 🌐 עבור לגרסה העברית ← Home
swimming turns coaching
A complete guide to swimming turns coaching: tumble turn, open turn, backstroke spin turn, underwater phase and drill progressions. Help your swimmers save seconds with better turns. Nir Makovsky — NIRMAKO.
Research shows that a fast turn can save 0.5–1 second per 50m. As a coach, mastering turn technique — from approach to underwater breakout — can be the edge that wins races.
Tumble turn — the technique that saves seconds in competition | Nir Makovsky, NIRMAKO
Approach distance: 1.2-1.5m from wall for tumble — count strokes from flags
Push-off: Parallel feet, 90° hip bend, explosive push + streamline
Underwater: 2-4 dolphin kicks + breakout stroke before surfacing
Timing: Accelerate into the wall — never decelerate!
1. Turn Types — What and When?
Each stroke requires a specific turn. Understanding the differences is fundamental to effective coaching:
📊 Infographic — Swimming Turn Types
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Tumble Turn
Freestyle — forward roll, no hand touch
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Backstroke
Spin turn, single hand touch
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Open Turn
Breast/Fly — two-hand touch, breath
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Underwater
2-4 dolphin kicks every turn
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Approach
1.2-1.5m for tumble turn
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Time Gain
0.5-1 sec per fast turn
2. Tumble Turn — Step by Step
1
ApproachAccelerate in the last 1.5 meters. Count strokes from the 5m flags (usually 3-4 strokes). Never slow down!
2
The RollHead drops, elbows break, body rolls forward. Tuck position — knees to chest, compact body rotation.
3
Foot ContactFeet bent at 90° contact the wall — hips parallel, not in tripod. Flat feet on the wall.
4
Push & StreamlineExplosive push, body extends into perfect streamline — hands locked above head, ears between arms.
5
Underwater Phase2-4 dolphin kicks underwater before surfacing. Don’t break early — this is the fastest part!
“A swimmer who slows down before the wall has already lost the turn. The turn is a continuation of the swim — not a stop in it.” — Nir Makovsky
3. Open Turn — Butterfly and Breaststroke
In butterfly and breaststroke, every turn must include a simultaneous two-hand touch — otherwise it’s a disqualification. The open turn is slower than the tumble but has its own technical requirements:
Simultaneous two-hand touch — required by FINA rules
Breathing during the turn is allowed — use it wisely
Strong push off wall + immediate streamline
Breaststroke: short glide after push before first pull-out
4. Turn Drills
🏊 Recommended Drills
Wall Touch Drill: Stand at wall, practice roll only without swimming — correct timing
Stroke Count Practice: Count strokes from flags to wall — for every stroke
What is the difference between a tumble turn and an open turn?
Tumble turn — forward roll without wall touch with hands, fast rotation — for freestyle and backstroke. Open turn — two-hand touch, breath possible, push off — required for butterfly and breaststroke.
How far from the wall should a swimmer initiate a tumble turn?
Approximately 1.2-1.5 meters (about 2 strokes). Train stroke counting from the 5-meter flags for consistent timing.
What is the most common mistake in flip turns?
Initiating too far out (slowing before turning) or too close (hitting wall). Also: tripod feet instead of parallel, and surfacing too early from the underwater phase.
N
Nir Makovsky — Swimming Coach Educator
Business coach, CEO of NIRMAKO, TAB Israel partner. Active in swimming coaching and coach development.