Aquatics Coaching Guide - Special Olympics

Tumble Turn – Somersault Only
Special Olympics Aquatics Coaching Guide
Created: February 2004
Teaching Aquatics Skills - Stroke Development
Stroke Development Training Plan
Teaching Points
1. Swimmer tucks chin into chest throughout the movement.
2. Knees are tucked up onto chest, with a steady stream of bubbles released from the nose until the body rights
itself after rotation. Coach assistance may be necessary.
Forward Somersault
Bend knees slightly and push off with both feet, driving both
arms up toward water surface.
Tuck chin, rotate head toward pool bottom, bringing legs
parallel to pool bottom. The athlete will be upside down.
Rotate head toward water surface, keeping legs straight
and arms out to the sides.
Athlete is now upright as if he/she is sitting on the pool
bottom. Legs are extended and parallel to pool bottom
with the chin tucked to the chest and arms out and
slightly behind.
Bring feet under body and land on pool bottom with both
feet.
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