How do swimmers know when to flip when they are swimming backstroke?

Question

How do swimmers know when to flip when they are swimming backstroke?

Answer 1

Its the flags. I usually count my strokes and then one or two before I flip over and then flip.

Answer 2

they see the flags hanging above the pool & by seeing those they know how far away they are.

Answer 3

stroke count beyond the flags

Answer 4

they count the # of strokes it takes them to get from the flags to the wall and subtract one (this is when they flip to their stomachs and do their flip turn)

Answer 5

If you'll look closely at each end of the pool, you'll notice there are flags about 10-15 meters from the end.  A backstroker learns to count how many strokes to take before the end of the pool.  Believe me, when you're first learning, you hit your head A LOT, LOL!  Once you've got that number established, you know when to begin your flip turn.

Answer 6

Hav u noticed the rope above the pool? Every swimmer has a count when you reach your count (mine is normally 5 but that varies) it's time to flip. (also flages or rope are located 16 ft from the end of the pool on each side)

Answer 7

When they are in practice they count and memorize how many strokes they need to take when they see the flag, until the point where they need to flip. So when in competition they know how many strokes to take before they flip :P

Answer 8

I overheard one of the announcers getting off topic and talking about flags on the ceiling.