How to do a Backstroke to Breaststroke Turn in an IM

QUESTION:

To Gary, Just a quick query re: the IM, and in particular the backstroke to breaststroke turn.

Once the swimmer touches the wall on their back, must they flip backwards or just push off on their front before gliding and pulling through under the water.

Any help with this would be greatly appreciated-ie step by step pictures or sequences.

Thanks very much, Gary R

ANSWER:

Hi Gary,

For the backstroke to breaststroke turn, swimmers must always touch the wall with their hand whilst remaining on their back.

Once they have touched the wall they may:

1. flip their legs backwards over their head and then push off on their front for the breaststroke split stroke under water, or

2. pull their legs up under their body so that their feet touch the wall and then push off on their front for the breaststroke split stroke under water.

I will look to put the two turning styles into a video for you in the future Gary to assist.

Regards

Gary

The Swimming Expert