Simultaneous Touch Meaning in Swimming

A simultaneous touch requires a swimmer to hit the wall with both hands at the same time. This rule applies strictly to the turns and finishes of the breaststroke and butterfly events. The hands must be on the same horizontal plane and separate from each other during the touch. Failing to use both hands simultaneously results in an immediate disqualification by the stroke and turn judge. A swimmer touches the touchpad with both palms together to finish the hundred-meter butterfly. Proper timing of the final stroke ensures the athlete does not glide too long before hitting the wall. Coaches emphasize this rule during practice to prevent costly technical errors in competitive meets. A legal touch is the only way to record a valid time for these specific strokes.