The rules governing the backstroke-to-breaststroke transition in individual medley (IM) events have grow a focal point of discussion within the competitive swimming world, with athletes and coaches evaluating the optimal turn technique for maximizing speed. According to rules established by USA Swimming and NCAA, swimmers completing the backstroke leg of an IM are permitted to transition to the breaststroke portion while on their back, and may initiate the turn with either a single or simultaneous arm pull.
While the crossover turn has emerged as the dominant strategy among elite and collegiate swimmers, alternative techniques such as the open turn and somersault turn remain viable options. The official rulebook stipulates that, upon touching the wall, a swimmer’s shoulders must be at or past the vertical toward the breast before initiating the breaststroke pull, and the prescribed breaststroke form must be attained prior to the first arm stroke.
The open turn, described as the simplest method, involves a swimmer touching the wall, drawing their feet towards their chest, and pushing off. In contrast, the crossover turn entails touching the wall and rotating the body while bringing the forehead towards the knees before pushing off sideways. The somersault turn begins with a touch, followed by a backward flip and push-off from the wall.
Glenn Mills, a 1980 Olympian, has highlighted the importance of considering a swimmer’s body type when evaluating the effectiveness of different turn styles. The choice between the crossover and open turn, in particular, can be influenced by individual physical characteristics, and technique.
Discussions surrounding the backstroke-to-breaststroke turn gained prominence in 2014, as evidenced by conversations within the online swimming community, with swimmers exploring potential technique changes over time. More recently, in 2025, swimming publications began to address the topic, acknowledging the ongoing debate and the nuances of each turn style. Tutorials demonstrating the crossover turn have also been published online, offering guidance to swimmers seeking to refine their technique.
