What is the first step in the pullout after a start or turn?

• A. Take a quick breath and start kicking.
• B. Take a long glide before lifting head.
• C. Begin pulling with arms immediately.
• D. Streamline for 2-3 seconds until slowing.

Answer: (D)

Maintaining a tight streamline right after push-off or a turn is the first move because it minimizes drag and preserves the momentum you’ve just generated. Staying streamlined for a brief 2–3 seconds allows your speed to carry you into the underwater pullout, giving you a stronger start to the arm pull and kick sequence. Lifting the head or breathing early breaks that streamline, increases drag, and wastes energy when you’re at your fastest underwater. Starting the arm pull immediately without first preserving momentum also missizes the initial propulsion you’ve earned. So, holding the streamline until the speed naturally slows sets you up for a more powerful, efficient underwater phase before you surface.