What is a float turn used for?

The float turn, also known as an open turn, is a swimming technique primarily used in breaststroke and butterfly events, or by beginners, to efficiently change direction at the wall.

What are the main steps to perform a float turn?

The main steps include maintaining momentum during the approach and touching the wall, immediately tucking knees to the chest and rotating the body, placing feet flat on the wall for a powerful push-off, and immediately entering a tight streamline glide.

What are common errors to avoid when doing a float turn?

Common errors include slowing down too early, poor hand or foot placement on the wall, insufficient body tuck, lack of a tight streamline during push-off, and pushing off at an inefficient depth.

How does a float turn differ from a flip turn?

A float turn is required for breaststroke and butterfly, allows for breathing, and is beginner-friendly, while a flip turn is generally faster for freestyle and backstroke due to continuous motion and maintaining momentum.

What drills can help improve my float turn?

Drills like wall kicks, single-hand turns, tuck and push drills, tempo turns, and underwater streamline glides are effective for isolating and refining different components of the float turn.

How to do a float turn?

The float turn, also known as an open turn, is a fundamental swimming technique used primarily in breaststroke and butterfly events, or by beginners in any stroke, to efficiently change direction at the wall. It involves a controlled approach, precise hand and foot placement, a tight tuck, and a powerful push-off to minimize drag and maintain momentum.

Introduction to the Float Turn

For swimmers, mastering turns is as crucial as perfecting stroke mechanics. A well-executed turn can shave precious seconds off race times and conserve energy during training. The float turn, distinct from the more advanced flip turn, serves as a vital skill for specific strokes and as an excellent foundational technique for all swimmers. It prioritizes stability, breath control, and a strong push-off over continuous motion, making it an accessible yet highly effective method for navigating the pool walls.

Biomechanics and Key Principles

Understanding the underlying biomechanics enhances the execution of any swimming skill. For the float turn, several principles are paramount:

Momentum Conservation: The goal is to carry as much forward momentum into and out of the wall as possible. Any hesitation or excessive drag will dissipate this energy.
Hydrodynamics: Minimizing resistance (drag) is critical. This is achieved through a tight, streamlined body position during the tuck and push-off.
Leverage and Force Application: The wall provides a fixed point for applying propulsive force. Optimal foot placement and a powerful leg drive are essential for maximizing the push-off.
Core Engagement: The core muscles provide stability throughout the turn, connecting the upper and lower body for a cohesive, powerful movement. They facilitate the tuck and assist in transferring force during the push-off.
Proprioception: An acute awareness of body position in the water and relative to the wall is vital for precise timing and placement.

Step-by-Step Guide to Executing a Float Turn

Executing a float turn efficiently requires coordination, timing, and practice. Follow these steps for optimal performance:

1. The Approach and Hand Placement

Maintain Momentum: As you approach the wall, maintain your stroke rate and speed. Avoid slowing down too early.
Visual Cue: Spot the wall to time your final stroke.
Hand Touch: With one hand (typically the lead hand of your stroke, e.g., the hand that would be forward in breaststroke), touch the wall above the water line or at the water line, fingers pointing upwards or slightly to the side. The other hand can remain at your side or move to assist with balance.
Body Position: Your body should be slightly angled, almost perpendicular to the wall, allowing for an easier rotation.

2. The Tuck and Rotation

Bring Knees to Chest: As your hand touches, immediately pull your knees towards your chest, initiating a tight, compact tuck. This reduces your body's surface area, minimizing drag and facilitating rotation.
Rotate the Body: Use your core muscles and the momentum from your approach to rotate your body. You should pivot around your touching hand, turning your torso so your back faces the wall. Your head should tuck slightly, looking towards your feet.
Second Hand Placement (Optional but Recommended): As you rotate, the non-touching hand can meet the first hand on the wall, or be placed slightly below it, providing additional stability and leverage for the push-off.

3. Foot Placement and Push-Off

Feet on the Wall: Your feet should land flat on the wall, approximately hip-width apart, with your knees bent at around a 90-degree angle. Ensure your feet are deep enough to allow for a full leg extension.
Powerful Push-Off: Explode off the wall using both legs, driving forcefully. Your hands should push off simultaneously with your feet, or just after, to initiate the streamline.
Body Direction: Aim to push off horizontally, just below the water's surface, in a straight line back down the lane.

4. Streamline and Glide

Immediate Streamline: As you push off, immediately bring your hands together, one on top of the other, interlocking thumbs. Extend your arms fully overhead, pressing them against your ears. Your body should be rigid, straight, and narrow.
Tight Core: Engage your core and glutes to maintain a rigid, streamlined torpedo shape.
Glide: Allow the momentum from your push-off to carry you through a powerful glide underwater. The depth of your glide should be consistent, typically between 12-15 inches below the surface.

5. Recovery and Stroke Initiation

Breakout: Once your momentum begins to diminish, or you reach the maximum allowable distance (e.g., 15 meters in competitive swimming), initiate your first stroke.
First Kick: Coordinate your first stroke with a powerful dolphin kick (for butterfly/freestyle) or breaststroke kick to maintain speed.
Smooth Transition: Ensure a seamless transition from the glide into your full stroke, maintaining your streamline as you surface.

Common Mistakes and How to Correct Them

Even experienced swimmers can fall prey to inefficiencies in their float turns. Awareness and targeted practice can correct these issues:

Slowing Down Too Early: This kills momentum, making the turn sluggish.
- Correction: Maintain stroke pace into the wall. Practice counting strokes from a marker to the wall to time your approach.
Poor Hand Placement: Touching too high, too low, or too far away reduces leverage.
- Correction: Focus on touching at or just above the water line, with fingers pointing up. Use visual markers on the wall.
Insufficient Tuck: Not bringing knees close enough to the chest creates more drag and a weaker push.
- Correction: Actively pull your knees in with your arms and core. Practice tucking drills without the wall.
Incorrect Foot Placement: Feet too high, too low, or too narrow/wide on the wall.
- Correction: Aim for feet flat, hip-width apart, knees bent at 90 degrees. Visualize pushing a heavy object with your feet.
Lack of Streamline: Pushing off with arms open or body loose.
- Correction: Consciously lock your arms, squeeze your ears, engage your core and glutes. Practice streamline glides from a standing push-off.
Pushing Off Too Deep or Shallow: Inefficient depth increases drag or breaks the surface too early.
- Correction: Focus on a consistent push-off depth, aiming for 12-15 inches below the surface. Use lane lines as a depth guide.

Drills to Improve Your Float Turn

Incorporating specific drills into your training can isolate and refine each component of the float turn:

Wall Kicks: Push off the wall in a streamline, perform 3-5 dolphin or flutter kicks, then surface and swim. Focus purely on a powerful push and tight streamline.
Single-Hand Turns: Approach the wall and touch with only one hand. Practice the tuck, rotation, and push-off, focusing on core engagement for stability.
Tuck and Push Drills: From a standing position in the shallow end, practice tucking tightly, placing feet on the wall, and pushing off into a streamline. This isolates the rotation and push-off phases.
Tempo Turns: Perform a series of float turns with minimal rest, focusing on maintaining speed and efficiency through the entire sequence.
Underwater Streamline Glides: Push off the wall in a perfect streamline and glide as far as possible without kicking or stroking. This emphasizes the importance of a tight body position.

When to Use a Float Turn vs. a Flip Turn

Choosing between a float turn and a flip turn depends on the stroke, race rules, and individual proficiency.

Float Turn Advantages:
- Stroke Specificity: Required for breaststroke and butterfly turns, where both hands must touch the wall simultaneously.
- Breathing Opportunity: Allows for a breath before pushing off, which can be beneficial for longer events or less conditioned swimmers.
- Beginner-Friendly: Easier to learn and master for new swimmers.
- Stability: Offers more control and stability during the turn.
Flip Turn Advantages:
- Speed: Generally faster for freestyle and backstroke due to continuous motion and less time spent stationary at the wall.
- Momentum: Maintains forward momentum more effectively.
- Stroke Specificity: Preferred for freestyle and backstroke, where a single-hand or no-hand touch is permitted.

Conclusion

The float turn is more than just a way to change direction; it's a strategic component of swimming performance that demands precision, power, and hydrodynamics. By understanding the biomechanical principles, diligently practicing each step, and actively correcting common errors, swimmers can transform their float turns from mere pauses into powerful accelerators. Consistent practice and attention to detail will ensure that every time you reach the wall, you leverage it to your advantage, maintaining speed and efficiency throughout your swim.

Float Turn: Technique, Drills, and Common Mistakes for Swimmers