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
Thanks all for the replies! I swam yesterday (2 x 900m back) and tried to focus on breathing comfortably not at the same rhythm as my stroke. I CAN do it, but it's tough going!! I will continue to work.
As for the 5K, it's held in Ontario, Canada, every September. It's in a quarry - 11 laps make up the 5K. So yes, I do have to make sure I can swim reasonably straight. :) www.soloswims.com and then click the St Mary's link on the right-hand side of the page.
I hold the breaststroke record for my age group (because I'm the only one who's ever done breaststroke in my age group :) and will have the backstroke record next year by the same method if all goes well.
Carry on giving this poor non-backstroker tips if you have good ones. :)
Thanks!
Heather
Thanks all for the replies! I swam yesterday (2 x 900m back) and tried to focus on breathing comfortably not at the same rhythm as my stroke. I CAN do it, but it's tough going!! I will continue to work.
As for the 5K, it's held in Ontario, Canada, every September. It's in a quarry - 11 laps make up the 5K. So yes, I do have to make sure I can swim reasonably straight. :) www.soloswims.com and then click the St Mary's link on the right-hand side of the page.
I hold the breaststroke record for my age group (because I'm the only one who's ever done breaststroke in my age group :) and will have the backstroke record next year by the same method if all goes well.
Carry on giving this poor non-backstroker tips if you have good ones. :)
Thanks!
Heather
