SOMERSAULTS The ordinary somersault, either backwards or forwards, as the case may be, is simply the turning over of the body when in the water.
When performing the back somersault, the head is bent as far back as possible, the legs are drawn well up, and the arms brought in a straight line with the shoulders at right angles to the body. At the same time the body is turned on to the back, and a stroke taken with the hands and arms only. This stroke is effected in the following manner : The arms are forced towards the back, and brought back with a semicircular stroke, the palms being upward at the finish. The main portion of the work is done with the palms, and as the body is doubled up this action causes it to turn a complete circle, the head going under first. The same degree of force must be employed with both hands, or else the body, instead of going over regularly, will move sideways towards the hand which is exerting the least power.
In forward somersaulting the head is pressed down upon the chest instead of being leant back, but the legs are doubled up in the same fashion, and the arms placed at right angles to the body, with the palms downwards. As soon as the body is in position, a stroke similar to that used in backward' somer saulting is made with the arms, but with this exception : it is started by a movement to the front and not to the back, as in the other style. This will cause the body to turn over in its
own space, the arms forming the axle.
In practice each turn either way may be so timed as to allow the swimmer to breathe regularly ; but when the motions are to be performed rapidly, a good supply of fresh air should be taken in before beginning, as there is then no time for proper respiration. If a fresh inhalation is absolutely required, then, as the body turns over and the face reaches the surface, the hands . should be slightly depressed. This will raise the body to a higher level than the ordinary circular sweep, and the mouth will be cleared from the water for the brief interval that is necessary.
To the uninitiated somersaulting appears difficult, but it is surprising how easily it can be accomplished. Any ordinary swimmer is well able to accomplish five or six turns. Experts have been known to make as many as thirty successive somer saults. Single somersaults can also be made from a diving board, the body turning when in mid-air.