Bender Tunnel Training
01.03Belly Flying

Belly Fly Turns

Complete controlled turns in both directions using balanced upper- and lower-body inputs, beginning and ending on a predetermined heading.

Prerequisite: Belly-fly forward and backward movement, on or off the net.

Desired outcome: Complete controlled turns in both directions using balanced upper- and lower-body inputs, beginning and ending on a predetermined heading.

Key points:

  • Begin and finish every turn in the neutral position.
  • For a basic turn, look slightly toward the turn and lower the shoulder on that side while maintaining the arch.
  • Apply an opposite input to stop on the selected heading.
  • For advanced turns, coordinate the shoulders and knees to rotate around the body's center instead of orbiting around the tunnel.

Coaching and safety: Give the student a clear heading reference and enough room to stop. Watch for drift, excessive banking, and loss of altitude during the turn.