How to Do a Forward Flip in the Water

Last Updated: February 10, 2023

A forward flip in the water is not all that challenging when you know how to do it. It is a little more challenging than the backflip, but the forward roll may help you if you plan on using it to execute a proper flip-turn while swimming laps.

Steps

1
Lay out. Begin by laying out on your stomach in the water. Keep your legs straight and as far out as the water as possible (if you would like to look nice while doing it).
2
Take a breath. Turn your head to the side and take a deep breath in, before you begin your forward roll.^{[1]
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3
Tuck your knees in. Pull your knees in towards your chest and tuck your head in. The most desirable roll would include your nose touching your knees. If you would like to look nice, point your toes. Remember to hold this position for the rest of your roll.^{[2]
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4
Begin moving your arms. Move your arms in a circular motion forward. Pull the water through and behind you to propel yourself upside down, all while keeping your body tucked in, knees to nose.^{[3]
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5
Bring yourself up. Once you're upside down, push the rest of the water up around you to spin back up right. Continue all the way around until you are vertical once again, but still in tucked into a ball.^{[4]
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6
Leave the tucked in position. Uncurl your body, straightening your legs and move your head so you are looking straight in front of you.
7
Kick to the surface. Using the flutter kick, propel yourself back to the surface of the water. It is best to stay as close to the surface of the water as you can. It will look prettier and seem more impressive. If you would like to do the roll deeper though, this will still work.^{[5]
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8
Emerge from the water. Come up and enjoy a nice breath of air that you may have been craving throughout the roll. Be careful not to breathe in to early though, or you may inhale a big gulp of water.
9
For a tumble turn, use the same method for this forward roll, but, once you have finished the roll, stay under the water, go onto your back, push the wall with your feet and turn back over onto your stomach.

Community Q&A

Question

I have a shallow pool. Is it OK to do flips?

Purple owly

Community Answer

No. You will probably hit your head on the floor.
Question

My nose and ears hurt in the process. Any tips?

Community Answer

If your nose hurts, probably because you haven't blown enough in the water to keep you through. If your ears hurt, don't panic, it'll get better it's just the water in your ear.
Question

What should I do to prevent breathing in too much water through my nose?

Community Answer

Try purchasing a nose piece, this will help keep water from entering your nose.