I find it much harder to reduce the stroke per length in backstroke than in free. In free, you can glide a long distance in each stroke, but not so in backstroke. What should I work on, the pull, or the kick, or the coordination of the hand and leg? Appreciate any comments.
Parents
Former Member
Thank you all so much. Will go get Swimmer magazine to see the photos of Chris.
quicksilver, you are a great artist as well, the picture is very helpful! One curiosity: what's the advantage of keeping the elbow locked in recovery? (It does look nice)
Thank you. I'm an architect, so the doodling comes very naturally. It was a helpful way to convey a few key points to our kids.
To answer your question...too many of our age groupers were bending their arms as they recovered. They should be straight as possible for 2 reasons.
1.) To ensure the cleanest possible entry
2.) To ensure the longest possible reach for when the hand enters
You do not want the arm bent in any way as it slices into the water. It should come down like an oar, ready to dig in, and start sculling.
On that note...It's best to let the arm drop down a few inches, and lean into the stroke (ride the rails) before pulling back. A slightly deeper pull is important to grab onto still water. This may help too...www.svl.ch/backstroke.html
Thank you all so much. Will go get Swimmer magazine to see the photos of Chris.
quicksilver, you are a great artist as well, the picture is very helpful! One curiosity: what's the advantage of keeping the elbow locked in recovery? (It does look nice)
Thank you. I'm an architect, so the doodling comes very naturally. It was a helpful way to convey a few key points to our kids.
To answer your question...too many of our age groupers were bending their arms as they recovered. They should be straight as possible for 2 reasons.
1.) To ensure the cleanest possible entry
2.) To ensure the longest possible reach for when the hand enters
You do not want the arm bent in any way as it slices into the water. It should come down like an oar, ready to dig in, and start sculling.
On that note...It's best to let the arm drop down a few inches, and lean into the stroke (ride the rails) before pulling back. A slightly deeper pull is important to grab onto still water. This may help too...www.svl.ch/backstroke.html
