The four-swimming turns

13.0 How to do swimming turns

There are 2 types of medley events: individual races and relays. The order of the strokes is different for these 2 types which doesn't make the task any easier.

In the individual event, the order of the strokes is as follows: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and finally crawl. There are several different race distances during which the strokes will always be equally distributed. For example, in the 100m 4-swim, you will have to swim 25m butterfly, 25m backstroke, 25m breaststroke and 25m crawl in this order

The different distances are therefore the 100m, 200m and 400m medley

There are several relay events

The 4x50m medley relay or 4x100m medley relay consists of each swimmer doing 50m in 1 stroke. This is where the order is different, in particular because of the backstroke start. So we'll start with the backstroke, then the breaststroke, then the butterfly and finally the crawl

There's also a 4x100m medley relay where each swimmer does a full 100m medley. In this case, the order of the swimmers doesn't matter, as they will all have to do the 4 strokes

FINA rules :

Regarding medley events, the rules are fairly short. It states that whether in an individual event or in a relay event, you must not make a mistake in the order of the swims. Then it specifies that you must finish your race in accordance with the rule for the stroke of your course

As each stroke already has its own specific rules, you will have to refer to them as they do not change in medley events.

13.1 4-swimming turns

13.1.1 From butterfly to backstroke :

The 1st turn involves the transition from butterfly to backstroke. The arrival at the wall is done in butterfly, touching with 2 hands, at the same time and not superimposed. Once you've touched the wall as described above, you go straight on your back. The body does not need to rotate. It's important to go straight on your back, otherwise you'll be in breach of the rules.

13.1.2 From backstroke to breaststroke :

The turn is done as a backstroke finish, so you have to touch with one hand on your back (without being flipped over), then turn and go back on your side, then get on your stomach in the flow to be in breaststroke.

There's another turn, the backward roll. Touch the wall on your back with one hand, then roll backwards to push against the wall. This turn is effective if it's well executed, otherwise it can cause you to lose time. It's more difficult than the belly roll, especially when it comes to getting your bearings afterwards. But don't hesitate to try it out and work on it if you're motivated!

13.1.3 From breaststroke to crawl:

In breaststroke, as in butterfly, the finish is on the stomach, with the 2 hands touching the wall at the same time, not one on top of the other. Then you have to group your body together to push against the wall, on your side (so as not to lose time) and then get onto your stomach completely after pushing against the wall.

The turns: front crawl and backstroke

13.2.1 For crawl:

You can touch the wall with one hand and start again. Nevertheless, the tumble remains the most effective turn. It provides continuity in the swim and limits the brakes when you start again in the other direction. You can use the underwater markers (the blue or black «T») to help you know when to start your roll. One last movement in the crawl so that you have 2 arms behind you and you can start a forward roll, the arms don't move (they will already be in position to start a new stroke). The roll is not complete, as you will be pushing against the wall with your body in a horizontal position. You can push against the wall while on your back and then twist into the flow

To be really effective, your body should drop slightly into the water to pass under the wave created as you move towards the wall. On the way back it will slow you down if you stay too far above the surface

13.2.2 On the back:

If you touch the wall with your hand, you must be on your back. Turning over onto your stomach before touching the wall is forbidden and therefore disqualifying

If you do a roll, which is the most effective, it will be the same as in the crawl, towards the front. But you'll have to turn over onto your stomach in this case. In backstroke, you have the flag markers (5m from the wall). You have to count how many strokes you need to turn over to be in the right position in relation to the wall (close enough to touch it but not too close so as not to crush you). Once you're back on your stomach, you're allowed to make one last backward arm movement (so that you have 2 arms at your thighs) and then you have to turn. Be careful, once you're on your stomach, you're not allowed to move your legs. Once the roll has been completed, you are directly on your back, you don't need to turn around in the flow that follows

13.3 The turns: Breaststroke and Butterfly

All turns where the finish is breaststroke or butterfly shall be done in the following way:

Touch the wall with 2 hands

The 2 hands must touch the wall at the same time and must not overlap

To be as effective as possible, once you've touched the wall with 2 hands, turn to the side only to push against the wall. This allows you to start again as quickly as possible and not waste time unnecessarily. One arm should go above the water, the other below (depending on which side you choose).