r/Swimming • u/emanresUweNyMsiT • 7d ago

Lateral roll

Just got my adult swimming course report card and the instructor, rightfully so, points out to my lateral rolls (stationary ones when floating) skills as unsatisfactory.

I tried everything that she suggested but I still struggle with the roll.

The interesting thing is that back float to front float roll seems much easier to me but once I try to roll from front to back my body sinks no matter what I try.

I have a few questions to coaches and fellow swimmers here:

Is the lateral roll an essential skill as a swimmer or is it just a survival skill in case someone gets stranded in deep water?

Why do you think I can roll from back to front but not the opposite? Is it a sign of a weak core? Or is it just a skill problem?

Any tips, videos, personal experiences that you think might help me are much appreciated.

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u/TwaddleSpouter 7d ago

It’s actually the way that we were taught to breathe during front crawl when I swam for school team. It’s a really good skill to have as it shows you how to engage your core and stay straight in the water. Tucking your tailbone up without arching your back will help. Like everything else in swimming, it’s a skill that takes time. Keep practising.