BACKSTROKE
For backstroke you'll need a very precise technique, good rotation, and a strong kick. Backstroke also uses some different muscles to the other strokes, due to it's position on the back.
The Basic Technique:
Back is very similar to freestyle, except for the body position, in which you're, obviously, on your back. Above the water, arms must be brought straight over the water until they are pointing away from your body a little more than shoulder-width apart, rotating only once to ensure the little finger to be the first entering the water. The head must stay completely still. Your shoulders must always rotate along with your arm movement, try to make sure one shoulder is always under water while the other is pointing straight out.
My Tips:
When your arms enter the water, they're meant to be a little more than shoulder width apart. To judge just how far, imagine your body is a clock, your head being the center. Your arms should enter exactly where you imagine 2 o'clock, and 10 o'clock to be. You should also try to exaggerate your rotation during training, this will help you get used to it.
The Basic Technique:
Back is very similar to freestyle, except for the body position, in which you're, obviously, on your back. Above the water, arms must be brought straight over the water until they are pointing away from your body a little more than shoulder-width apart, rotating only once to ensure the little finger to be the first entering the water. The head must stay completely still. Your shoulders must always rotate along with your arm movement, try to make sure one shoulder is always under water while the other is pointing straight out.
My Tips:
When your arms enter the water, they're meant to be a little more than shoulder width apart. To judge just how far, imagine your body is a clock, your head being the center. Your arms should enter exactly where you imagine 2 o'clock, and 10 o'clock to be. You should also try to exaggerate your rotation during training, this will help you get used to it.
Here are multiple views of Ryan Lochte's amazing backstroke technique.
World Records
Long Course
Men:
Event:
50m Backstroke 100m Backstroke 200m Backstroke |
Name:
Liam Tancock Aaron Piersol Aaron Piersol |
Time:
24.04 51.94 1:51.92 |
Location:
Rome, Italy Indianapolis, USA Rome, Italy |
Women:
50m Backstroke
100m Backstroke 200m Backstroke |
Jing Zhao
Gemma Spofforth Missy Franklin |
27.06
58.12 2:04.06 |
Rome, Ialy
Rome, Italy London, GBR |