Aquatics Coaching Guide - Special Olympics

Teaching Backstroke Turns
Practice correct backstroke turn, three out of five times.
Special Olympics Aquatics Coaching Guide
Created: February 2004
Teaching Aquatics Skills - Stroke Development
Swimming Turns
Teaching Points
1. Stand in chest-deep water and assume back-float position. Athlete may also swim to the wall.
2. Float on back.
3. Extend one hand toward wall with elbow slightly bent.
4. Swim backstroke to the wall.
5. Use either hand to touch wall and begin the turn.
6. Touch wall with either hand approximately six to eight inches below water surface.
7. Bring knees up almost to the chest.
8. Keep head and shoulders flat.
9. Perform spin by pushing in either direction after the hand touches the wall.
10. Extend both arms over the head into a streamlined position.
11. Push off wall with feet.
12. Finish turn by kicking off wall in a streamlined position; kick using a flutter or butterfly kick.
13. Begin kick immediately after feet leave wall, using either a flutter or butterfly kick.
Coaching Tips
Hold swimmer under the hips, if necessary.
Assist the swimmer to bring knees up.
Help swimmer create a 90-degree angle with the upper legs and hips.
Assist swimmer to spin on his/her back while pushing off the wall with his/her hand.
159