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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/swim-flip-turn-strokes

Which two strokes normally use flip turns?

Freestyle and backstroke use flip turns.

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  1. Breaststroke and butterfly
  2. Freestyle and backstroke ✔
  3. Butterfly and backstroke

Why: In freestyle and backstroke you do not have to touch the wall with your hands, so most swimmers flip and touch with their feet. Breaststroke and butterfly need a two-hand touch, so they use open turns.

Huh, didn't know that: Flip turns are also called tumble turns.

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Why did the swimmer love flip turns? They always turned out great.
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References

Answer: Freestyle and backstroke. In freestyle and backstroke you do not have to touch the wall with your hands, so most swimmers flip and touch with their feet. Breaststroke and butterfly need a two-hand touch, so they use open turns.

  1. U.S. Masters Swimming: Turns Guide www.usms.org/fitness-and-training/guides/turns
    In backstroke and freestyle, you don’t have to touch the wall with your hands between lengths, so most swimmers flip their legs over their head
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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