Backstroke Swimming: A Step-by-Step Guide

Description

Why Learn Backstroke Before Any Other Stroke?

Learning Backstroke Swimming first has several advantages. It is, in my opinion, the easiest stroke to Learn:

1. It doesn’t require complex breathing techniques, allowing beginners to swim effectively and efficiently in a shorter time.
2. You are effectively floating on your back when doing backstroke, which makes you feel safer in the water.
3. You can recover if you tire while swimming other strokes. If, for example, you are practising freestyle and need a break, roll onto your back and swim in backstroke. This ensures you’re safe even when you need a breather.
4. Learning how to kick correctly for freestyle is critical, and backstroke simplifies this process. Since you’re floating on your back, you can focus on your leg movement without worrying about your breathing.
5. Most importantly, mastering backstroke boosts your confidence in the water. Confidence plays a huge role in making progress in swimming.

Backstroke Put Simply

Backstroke is where you swim on your back with a flutter kick and alternating arm strokes. Your face stays out of the water.

The Importance of Kicking

Kicking is the foundation of Backstroke Swimming. It keeps your body afloat and moving efficiently through the water. Proper kicking helps reduce drag, allowing smoother movement.

How Kicking Works

In backstroke, the kick comes from your hips, not your knees. Your legs should stay relatively straight with slight flexing at the knees. This creates a fluid and continuous flutter kick.

How to Practice Kicking

Begin by kicking on your back with a kickboard. Focus on keeping your body aligned, with the core engaged to prevent your hips from sinking.

Starting Your Stroke: One Arm Backward Torpedo

Start practising the backstroke by focusing on your kicking technique first. Then, add one arm at a time, alternating between strokes. This drill is known as the “One Arm Backward Torpedo,” which helps you combine arm movement with proper kicking.

“Patting the Dog” in Backstroke

“Patting the Dog” is a term used to describe the small, quick arm motions used in backstroke. When you bring your arms out of the water you imagine patting a dog. This drill helps with timing and keeping the stroke smooth.

How to “Pat the Dog”

Lay in the water on your back. Gently kick. Move your hands in small circles. This practice encourages the correct arm motion in backstroke.

Step by Step: Backstroke Swimming Steps A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Start with floating on your back: Learn to relax in the water and focus on keeping your body aligned.
2. Practice your flutter kick: Use a kickboard or do it without equipment to build leg strength.
3. Add the arm stroke: Use one arm at a time while keeping the other beside you. Gradually add both arms.
4. Combine everything: Incorporate kicking, arm movement, and body rotation to swim backstroke smoothly.

Learning backstroke first gives you a solid foundation on which to build. By following this guide, you’ll master “Backstroke Swimming Steps A Step by Step Guide” that will help you swim confidently and safely.