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Mid-Pool Somersault

Do a forward tuck roll away from the wall, the first step toward a flip turn.

By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026

Set up

Stand where your coach says the water is right for you.

Core: To the second. Aim for a long, relaxed glide.

Ages
7 and up
Time
8 min
Space
Pool
Bring
Pool
Level · skill
Beginner · Starts & Turns

The steps

How it works

  1. Stand where your coach says the water is right for you.
  2. Blow bubbles out of your nose the whole time.
  3. Tuck your chin and knees and roll forward once.
  4. Do 6, standing up to breathe between each one.

Coaching point

Chin in, small ball, bubbles out.

Safety: Swim only with a lifeguard or coach watching and, under 14, a grown-up within arm’s reach. Keep away from the wall until your coach says you are ready, and stop if you feel dizzy.

Make it fun

Play it, don't drill it

Game version

Glide game: from the wall, push off and glide to a floating ring, then your partner goes. The pair collects ten smooth glides, with an adult watching.

Challenge

Pick a distance: Less (to the first flag), Core (to the second), More (to the third). Aim for a long, relaxed glide.

Story

You are a seal launching from a rock into the sea.

My best

Beat your own count

Aim for a long, relaxed glide. Only your own number counts: today against last time.

Practice makes progress

Print it now, or save it free

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An email from you to the coach, with the words ready. Nothing is tracked and nobody is rewarded.