Flip Turn

Approach the wall with a steady flutter kick while holding the pull buoy in your fully extended arms. When the buoy is about two feet from the wall, push it down, lower your chin, and roll over it—keeping your arms stretched throughout the maneuver.

This exercise should be performed in a pool where the water is at least chest-deep for the child. The child uses their upper body to build momentum and jumps forward from the pool floor with their body tucked into a ball. The arms can assist in generating momentum. Once a forward roll is successful, the next step could involve attempting two consecutive forward rolls or a backward roll. Two components are particularly important for the core exercise: momentum and a tightly tucked body. Both are trained during the water somersault. This preparatory exercise also requires much less courage than the actual core exercise.