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Body Rotation

Swimming / Popular

Rotate the body along its long axis to reduce drag and aid the pull.

What coaches agree on

  • The hips initiate the rotation and drive it through the core, with the shoulders following as a relaxed, passive mover rather than leading the turn.
  • The head stays still and steady while the torso rotates beneath it, turning only to take a breath.
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Common mistakes

  • Rotating too far onto the side, sometimes almost onto the back near 90 degrees, buries the lead shoulder too deep for a strong catch and throws off balance, often causing sinking or a stalled breath when breathing.
  • Swimming flat with little or no rotation, which increases drag, disconnects the pull from the hips and core, and breaks up the stroke rhythm.
  • Letting the hand cross over the body centerline on entry, which twists the torso into a zigzag instead of a clean rotation.