Definition
Due to the competition distances in swimming, the swimmers usually have to make several changes of direction of 180° at the end of the lane. A well executed turn can contribute considerably to the generation of speed, but at the same time can be a hindrance if executed poorly. Especially in competitive swimming, attention is paid to an optimal turn design. Each turn can be divided into the following sections:
- Swim to
- Rotate/reverse direction
- Repulsion
- Transition
Competition rules
Please note that for breaststroke and dolphin swimming you have to strike with both hands at the same time. In backstroke and freestyle swimming the swimmer must touch the wall with any part of the body. Since 1991 it is allowed to touch the wall with any part of the body when swimming on the back. Therefore the back roll turn has proven itself since that time in backstroke swimming.
Sidefall turn
This also called tilting turn is considered a universal turn and is one of the less demanding turns in terms of coordination. Therefore it is often used for beginners. It is swum at high speed to the edge of the pool, and the last arm movement goes over to the stop.
After the stroke, one arm is guided in the new, opposite direction of movement. The head turns to the side. Due to the speed of the swim, the following squatting of the legs is not difficult.
The hand that is standing on the wall now initiates the rotation of the body in a swinging manner. The head is taken between the upper arms. If the body is now in a lateral squatting position against the pelvic wall, the powerful, straight thrust into the new direction of movement takes place. After the kick, a turning movement into the correct swimming position is also performed.
Crawl turn
The crawl roll turn is considered to be the best possibility at present in crawl swimming to perform a 180° change of movement. Approx. 1 body length in front of the wall the rolling movement around the body width axis begins, in the sense of a somersault forward.
One arm is in front, the other is on the side. The chin is taken on the chest. Crouching of the legs towards the edge of the pelvis is done when the shoulder axis points to the pelvic floor. Once the feet have found a firm hold on the wall, the powerful push in the direction of movement follows. Once the feet have left the wall, the body is turned into the prone position.
