Open turn

Practise the two-hand touch, compact rotation, and streamlined push-off used at breaststroke and butterfly walls.
Stroke
Breaststroke
Butterfly
Goal
Turns and streamlines
Level
Intermediate

How to do it

Approach the wall in breaststroke or butterfly and touch with both hands separated and simultaneously. Bring the legs in quickly, place the feet on the wall as the body turns, then push off in a streamlined position in the return direction. Add the breakout that belongs to the chosen stroke.

Key cues

  • Both hands touch the wall separated and simultaneously.
  • Keep the rotation compact instead of rising high out of the water.
  • Set the feet before driving away from the wall.
  • Leave the wall in a narrow, aligned position.

Common mistakes

  • Touching with one hand before the other.
  • Standing fully upright at the wall.
  • Placing the feet too low or too wide.
  • Turning and pushing before the body is aligned.

Practice format

6 repetitions in breaststroke and 6 in butterfly, from 5 m before the wall to 7 to 10 m after it, with full recovery.

Point d’attention

Safety

Use a clear wall and appropriate pool depth. For competition-oriented practice, follow the current touch and breakout rules.