IM Turn Drills: Enhancing Speed Through Turns

In Individual Medley (IM) events, turns can be the difference between winning and missing the podium. Because the IM requires transitions between four different strokes — butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle — every turn has unique rules, timing, and techniques. Even if your swimming speed is strong, inefficient turns can cost you valuable seconds.

This article will walk you through IM turn drills designed to help you maintain momentum, conserve energy, and execute transitions with precision.

Why Turns Are Critical in IM Races

• Time Efficiency: A well-executed turn can save up to a full second per transition.

• Rhythm Maintenance: Smooth turns help keep stroke rhythm and breathing patterns consistent.

• Energy Conservation: Proper push-offs reduce drag and allow you to cover more distance with less effort.

• Rule Compliance: IM turns are governed by strict technical rules that vary by stroke — perfecting them prevents disqualifications.

Key IM Turns to Master

1. Butterfly to Backstroke Turn – Two-hand touch, quick pivot, and smooth underwater transition.

2. Backstroke to Breaststroke Turn – Backstroke flip turn or crossover turn while complying with the 15m rule.

3. Breaststroke to Freestyle Turn – Two-hand touch followed by a strong open turn into a streamlined push-off.

   
   

Essential IM Turn Drills

1. Two-Stroke Transition Drill

• Swim the last 10 meters of one stroke, then switch to the next IM stroke and practice only the turn.

• Focus on explosive push-offs and a tight streamline.

2. No-Breath Last Stroke Drill

• For butterfly and breaststroke turns, practice swimming the last stroke without breathing to improve head position and speed into the wall.

• Enhances momentum into the turn.

3. Back-to-Breast Crossover Drill

• Practice the crossover turn without full race pace, emphasizing hand placement and body rotation.

• Gradually add speed while maintaining precision.

4. Streamline Glide Practice

• After each turn, hold a streamline position and glide 5–7 meters underwater before surfacing.

• Improves push-off distance and reduces drag.

5. Turn Repetition Sets

• 6 × 25m focusing only on turns and short sprints.

• For example: Swim 5 meters into the wall, execute the turn, push-off, and sprint 10 meters.

Tips for Faster IM Turns

• Anticipate the wall – Know your stroke count so you arrive in the optimal position.

• Stay compact – Keep knees and elbows tucked to accelerate rotation.

• Drive off the wall – Use your legs explosively for maximum speed into the breakout.

• Practice under fatigue – Simulate race conditions so your turns hold up when tired.

Conclusion

Perfecting IM turns is just as important as improving stroke technique. By incorporating specialized IM turn drills into your training, you’ll move through transitions faster, maintain momentum, and maximize your competitive performance. In a sport where races are often decided by fractions of a second, turn mastery can be your winning edge.