I am by no means a natural backstroker (my backstroke is my slowest stroke by a good 2-3 seconds per 50m). I have now twice swum a 5K open water swim breaststroke and have decided to do the same swim next year backstroke. (Why? because I can't yet swim a 5K fly and freestyle bores me. :)
So...
1. When I swim back, I find I want to breathe in time with my arms. I generally breathe out every time an arm hits the water. This obviously leads to a nearly panting breathing rhythm. I am a musician in my spare time and find that breathing at a natural rhythm in my backstroke makes my arms want to line up with that rhythm (thereby getting slower). How do backstrokers breathe, anyhow?
2. What should the pull be like underwater?
3. What one thing is likely to improve my speed? (I know you haven't seen me swim backstroke, but picture a graduate of a typical 'learn to swim' program and you're pretty much accurate. :)
Thanks,
Heather, wannabe backstroker (up to 800m continuous backstroke)
Parents
Former Member
Originally posted by Alicat
Hi,
Here is my question. A 5K back sounds great, is it outside open swimming? How do you intend to maintain direction since most new backstrokers have this common skill in the elementary stage, mostly due to crossing the midline of the body when pulling... If it's indoors rock on! Keep an eye on the sky, don't exhale all your air, don't clench your teeth relax the jaw and roll the shoulders enough so arms clear the water, no pile up of water on the shoulder of the recovery arm.
Originally posted by Alicat
Hi,
Here is my question. A 5K back sounds great, is it outside open swimming? How do you intend to maintain direction since most new backstrokers have this common skill in the elementary stage, mostly due to crossing the midline of the body when pulling... If it's indoors rock on! Keep an eye on the sky, don't exhale all your air, don't clench your teeth relax the jaw and roll the shoulders enough so arms clear the water, no pile up of water on the shoulder of the recovery arm.
