Turns can give you an incredible advantage if performed properly. A well-executed turn will allow you to accelerate after pushing off the wall so that you reach the right speed without using up any extra energy. On the other hand a poorly performed turn will force you to spend extra energy to make up the lost ground.
In this article we would like to give you some handy tips that will allow you to gain valuable seconds in your training sessions and, more importantly, in your races.
We are working on the assumption that an efficient turn requires good speed as you approach the wall, so that you can accelerate away using up as little energy as possible.
Here are three tips that will help you do this:
1. The “cat/dog” stretch. As you make a turn your body goes from a fully extended position into a spiral before swiftly returning to an extended position. You need lithe, flexible muscles in your back and upper body to perform this transition properly
The “cat/dog” stretch is an excellent exercise for making your back and stomach extremely flexible. Begin on all fours with your knees in line with your hips, making sure your back and stomach are neutral in relation to your shoulders. Now raise your back keeping your knees and the palms of your hands…
