Why Somersaults Are Important for Swimmers

When you think of swim practice, you probably imagine laps, strokes, and kicking drills. But did you know that skills like somersaults play a big role in swimming success, especially for younger swimmers learning body control and flip turns?

💡 What do somersaults teach swimmers?

✅ Body Spatial Awareness
Somersaults teach swimmers how to control their body in different positions underwater. They learn where their head, hips, and legs are as they rotate, which is critical for:

• Turns and flips

• Streamline positioning

• Underwater dolphin kicks

✅ Comfort Being Upside Down
For many swimmers, the idea of flipping underwater feels disorienting. Practicing somersaults builds confidence with moving upside down, spinning, and changing directions.

✅ Flip Turn Fundamentals
Flip turns are essentially an underwater somersault into a push-off. Swimmers who practice somersaults on land or in the shallow end build the muscle memory and coordination needed for fast, smooth flip turns later.

🏊‍♂️ How can swimmers practice somersault skills?

1. In the shallow end
   Have swimmers tuck their chin, pull their knees to their chest, and roll forward into a somersault underwater.

2. With breath control
   Somersaults help swimmers practice holding their breath and blowing bubbles upside down, adding to their breath control skills.

3. With flip turn drills
   Once comfortable with basic somersaults, swimmers can add a wall into the equation to practice flip turns efficiently.

🔑 Why is spatial awareness important in swimming?

Swimming is not just about moving forward. Good swimmers know how to:

✅ Rotate their bodies smoothly
✅ Push off walls in streamlined positions
✅ Maintain balance and alignment underwater
✅ Adapt quickly if their positioning is off mid-race

All these require body spatial awareness – knowing where every part of their body is in the water, even when they can’t see it.

💛 Final thoughts

Encouraging your swimmer to practice somersaults is more than just fun playtime in the water. It builds critical skills for swimming success, from faster flip turns to underwater confidence and total body control.

Next time your swimmer practices, add a few somersault drills to help them grow into a more confident, agile, and technically strong athlete.