Alright, here is the question. I have swimming helper - he is a swimmer and has done significant distances. During my miraculous 300 m this week he taught me to flip turn. Now the question that i have. The Tri guy in the next lane that I see every week simply swims the length of the pool touches the wall, takes a nice big breath and then starts swimming back down the lane.

Coach Mat writes: Heading into the wall, somersaulting, and pushing off that wall - the basic flip turn. Wow! Looks neat. But is it necessary?