Backstroke kicks

When you kick in backstroke, one leg kicks up and the other kicks down. Which one provides the main force? Whether backstroke or front crawl, the leg that is being whipped into a straighter line provides more propulsion than the opposite motion. i.e., in back, the leg kicking up provides more (not all the) propulsive force. Some propulsion is also being created when the two legs moving in opposite directions pass each other.

Whether backstroke or front crawl, the leg that is being whipped into a straighter line provides more propulsion than the opposite motion. i.e., in back, the leg kicking up provides more (not all the) propulsive force. Some propulsion is also being created when the two legs moving in opposite directions pass each other. Great, that's just what I had hoped to be the case, because I do feel there is "thicker" water around the back of the foot that is kicking up. I had not even thought about the moment when two legs cross each other, but in reading your reply, yes, it does seem there is some propulsion then! Thanks!:D