Phelps's and Hoff's backstroke turns?

Question

I was watching the Olympics, and Michael Phelps and Katie Hoff (among others) both have this weird flip turn for their backstroke-another stroke.

A regular one is like you turn onto your stomach right one or two stroke before you get to the wall, then to a regular flip turn. Theirs is like they just grab at the wall and flip onto their stomaches, then turn over when kicking underwater.

Any ideas on what it's called/how to do it?

Answer 1

What you are talking about is a backstroke to breaststroke transition turn.  There is some spinning from the core and throwing the legs to get around and onto the stomach.  It is a faster turn when done right.