Learning how to do a tumble turn quickly and efficiently is one of the most important skills you can acquire to make you a faster swimmer over longer distances. The key is to spot where to start your turn, get a good, strong kick off from the wall and to make sure you’re in as streamlined a position as possible as you kick off from the wall to accelerate as much as possible. Watch the video for more hints and tips to send you on your way.

How to Tumble Turn: Hints and Tips

The first stages of a tumble turn

To execute an effective tumble turn, you must first swim towards the wall at the same pace that you have been swimming the length of the pool thus far. The tumble turn proper starts approximately one metre – use the markings on the bottom of the pool to help you work out where this is – from the wall at the end of the pool.

Next stages of a tumble turn

The next step – with your arms by your side – is to drop your head, so that your chin meets your chest, and bend your body at the hips and the knees to squeeze every last drop of explosive power out of you.Tuck your legs in tightly and place your feet firmly against the wall, pushing away with as much power as you can.

The final stages of a tumble turn

As you push yourself away from the wall, breath out through your nose and stretch yourself out in a streamlined position, your hands and arms extended out above your head, with one on top of the other. As you’re pushing away, you’ll also need to twist your body through 180-degrees before you start swimming again, to ensure you’re the right way up when you resume your stroke.