My backstroke is well behind my other strokes at this point and I'm really struggling to figure it out despite input from coaches and watching videos. So I'm thinking I might be better off breaking it down into details and I need some input. My first question is this. Should I start rotating from the millisecond I begin my pull or stay on my side longer before rotating. The second question is where should I be in my rotation by the time I finish that last push with the hand? Should I be flat at that point and then just finish my rotation to get the recovery arm into the water. Should my recovery arm be straight up at that same point (flat on the water). Thanks.
Parents
Former Member
Tarucky, try this for starters:
When your arm has re-entered, ask your shoulder to relax and drop lower in the water before you pull. This will engage all of your arm, as well as your shoulder and even parts of the chest and side, to participate in the propulsion.
Imagine sinking your canoe paddle in deeper, to use all the blade surface, before you pull.
Notice in the Lochte video how low his shoulder (and consequently his arm) is when he pulls. Contrast it to how high in the water your pull is in your video. The two motions are not all that different, other than their depth. By relaxing and lowering your shoulder as the first component of your pull, you'll get both a fuller propulsion, and more of a side-ride. The proper rotation should then largely take care of itself.
Tarucky, try this for starters:
When your arm has re-entered, ask your shoulder to relax and drop lower in the water before you pull. This will engage all of your arm, as well as your shoulder and even parts of the chest and side, to participate in the propulsion.
Imagine sinking your canoe paddle in deeper, to use all the blade surface, before you pull.
Notice in the Lochte video how low his shoulder (and consequently his arm) is when he pulls. Contrast it to how high in the water your pull is in your video. The two motions are not all that different, other than their depth. By relaxing and lowering your shoulder as the first component of your pull, you'll get both a fuller propulsion, and more of a side-ride. The proper rotation should then largely take care of itself.
