Swimming technique for backstroke

Most people feel more comfortable on their front than on their back, but we are here to change that for you. Follow the advice and start really enjoying backstroke.

Here is a great step by step guide to swimming Backstroke.

1	Starting in a streamlined position, your left arm will enter the water above your head. Your legs will alternatively move up and down, with movement from the hips.
2	Your left arms will move downwards and outwards, while your right arm comes out the water in a straight motion.
3	Under the water your left arm continues to bend as it moves backwards and your right arm should now be straight over head.
4	Your left arm will finish its pull stage down by your hips just as your right arm enters the water overhead.
5	Now the whole sequence starts again but with the right arm pulling through the water.
6	Return to the start

Here Is A Great Swimming Video To Help

Here Are Some Great Tips To Improve Your Backstroke Technique.

	Relax your head and keep it flat with the water. Raising it, to avoid getting water on your face, will have negative effect on your body position and your stroke. Let the water support your head.
	This may sound daft but, keep your mouth open as you swim backstroke. This will stop the water going up your noise. It works, try it….
	This one may sound obvious, but lead with your head and let your body follow, keeping your head as still as possible. Like the Bow (or head) of a ship.
	Focus on the ceiling as you swim.
	Keep your head and shoulders relaxed. If you are tense your will snatch with your arms and will not stay in a straight line.
	As your arms enter the water, don’t rush them back, but let them rest a moment. In other words allow a small amount of gliding on your back.
	Keep your feet relaxed (the non technical term is floppy feet) and kick from the hips and not the knees.

Backstroke is a GREAT stroke but is often forgotten about because of the more popular strokes performed on your front. Developing backstroke skills will improve your overall swimming and it good for both balance and breathe control.

I hope this page has been of use to you, please contact us if you would like to add further tips for our readers. Thanks

Choose another stroke to explore

Butterfly

Breaststroke

Front Crawl

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