The Backstroke Lane

Gotta another question for the backstrokers. How many of you actually feel like you are rotating your hips from one side to another vs. feeling like you are sliding your hips from one side to another? Also, how many of you do to the wrist flip at the end of the pull? Where it looks like elites are flipping their wrist down quickly before the arm exits to start the recovery?

Left Shoulder. Right handed. Yea, it would be closer to 5 o'clock shadow at 6 am than a full beard. I would say about 5 day growth(insert smart alec comments here) Okay... left shoulder is up and your right arm (strongest) is probably going deeper for the pull. I'm just guessing, but you're rotating more to the favored arm as it pulls, which (if you keep your head locked as we all are wont to do) would bring that left shoulder tighter to your chin. I'm a righty, and last evening I had to try not to overthink the why as I worked this out. Let me know what you think.

Gotta another question for the backstrokers. How many of you actually feel like you are rotating your hips from one side to another vs. feeling like you are sliding your hips from one side to another? Also, how many of you do to the wrist flip at the end of the pull? Where it looks like elites are flipping their wrist down quickly before the arm exits to start the recovery? 1. Definately rotate more than slide. 2. I tend to flip the wrist in a meet, but not so much in practice. I've always been a believer in that last bit of scull helping to elongate the pull (and add a teeny push) and also to help lift the arm for recovery. No scientific data to back up the beleif, though.

Still trying the back to *** turn with poor timing so far:badday:

Okay... left shoulder is up and your right arm (strongest) is probably going deeper for the pull. I'm just guessing, but you're rotating more to the favored arm as it pulls, which (if you keep your head locked as we all are wont to do) would bring that left shoulder tighter to your chin. I'm a righty, and last evening I had to try not to overthink the why as I worked this out. Let me know what you think. I think you maybe right on the "deeper pull' observation. I have been going more toward the right side of the lane lately. This morning, I focused on rolling more on the left side, which seemed to allow the pull to get a bit deeper. I stayed more centered in the lane as well. From time to time, I know that I have the tendency to let me head ride too high out of the water. I think that forces me to favor my strong side(right side), so I roll more to that side. Today, when I made sure my ears were submergered, letting just a small part of my face be above water, I had much better roll to both sides as well...easier too. Thanks for your comments! I appreciate them.

Questions for you guys. What are the official USMS rules for backstroking. Do you have to touch both feet on the turns, or if you just one? Also, I've been changing from a SCMl to SCY. I'm trying to get my stroke count down for the turn. What do you guys do, when it brings you too close to the wall take that last stroke, but if you don't take it, you are too far out? Thanks!

Also, I've been changing from a SCMl to SCY. I'm trying to get my stroke count down for the turn. What do you guys do, when it brings you too close to the wall take that last stroke, but if you don't take it, you are too far out? Thanks! For me, the SCM flags are pretty much exactly 4 strokes from the wall at race pace. In SCY the flags are like 3-and-a-bit strokes from the wall at race pace. I tend to pick up stroke rate a bit at the flags, decrease how hard I am pulling and take 4 shorter quicker strokes. I know there is still room for improvement though...

Questions for you guys. What are the official USMS rules for backstroking. Do you have to touch both feet on the turns, or if you just one? ...! Actually, just "something" has to touch... here is the USMS backstroke turn rule... 101.4.3 Turns—Upon completion of each length, some part of the swimmer must touch the wall. During the turn the shoulders may be turned past the vertical toward the ***, after which a continuous single arm pull or a continuous simultaneous double arm pull may be used to initiate the turn. Once the body has left the position on the back, any kick or arm pull must be part of the continuous turning action. The swimmer must have returned to a position on the back upon leaving the wall. Note: The swimmer who turns past vertical and, in a continuous motion, grabs the wall before pushing off with the feet while on the back is considered to have executed a “continuous turning action.” Of course, bashing the end with some parts might be uncomfortable! :blush:

Actually, just "something" has to touch... here is the USMS backstroke turn rule... 101.4.3 Turns— Upon completion of each length, some part of the swimmer must touch the wall. During the turn the shoulders may be turned past the vertical toward the ***, after which a continuous single arm pull or a continuous simultaneous double arm pull may be used to initiate the turn. Once the body has left the position on the back, any kick or arm pull must be part of the continuous turning action. The swimmer must have returned to a position on the back upon leaving the wall. Note: The swimmer who turns past vertical and, in a continuous motion, grabs the wall before pushing off with the feet while on the back is consid ered to have executed a “continuous turning action.” Of course, bashing the end with some parts might be uncomfortable! :blush: Thanks so much for posting the actual rule!! I think I'm going to try to skip the "bashing" part:)

As those who have read my other posts know,backstroke is my worst stroke,but as I was swimming today I was pondering whether some true backstrokers would be faster doing something off the wall other than SDK.My fastest way is swimming as close to 15M as possible breaststroke underwater on my back.I know that wouldn't be the fastest for normal people,but since not everyone has a great SDK and since swimming underwater gives less resistance than on the surface might something like BR pull/dolphin kick be faster for some of you.Something to ponder(or should I just stay in the BR lane.)