Poolside there are flags at distances of five meters from the walls. The flags inform the swimmers in the backstroke about the distances from the scene of the turn. The indicators provide the swimmers with the visibility and preparation to execute the flip turn.
Clear visibility of the flags assists the swimmers in preventing last-minute adjustments which cost them time and disrupt the rhythm. The coaches employ flag drills for teaching swimmers how to pace and observe the environment. The same buoys during open-water competitions assist the swimmers in staying on course. Proper utilization of flags and sighting techniques assists competitive swimmers in minimizing drag and maximizing the turn speed.
