The Backstroke Lane

I swim in Costa Rica, so I checked the FINA swimming rules and they state "with both hands holding the starting grip". The US Rules specifically state "both hands placed on the gutter or on the starting grips." Anybody know if the FINA "on the starting grip" rule really gets enforced? The gutter idea sounds like a great option to me because I have serious foot slippage problems on my backstroke starts. Do you have that problem with the touch pads though? I've found its a lot easier to do my (terrible) back starts when I have a touch pad to grip my toes on.

I tried a hybrid of SDK/ breaststroke off the turn, today.... A couple of dolphin kicks off the wall (on my back, of course), a breaststroke (on back) pulldown, kick, then a few more dolphin kicks. Next experiment: Sequential u/w *** on back ... Well, Elaine, what did you discover? Was the mixed version better than the pure upside down breaststroke? Did you have someone timing you?

Well, Elaine, what did you discover? Was the mixed version better than the pure upside down breaststroke? Did you have someone timing you? Well, I haven't reported back, because I have not been able to get anything timed yet. Since I'm going out of town for a couple of weeks, it looks like it will be awhile before I can get my husband to time me on both versions. But, I can say that I think my mixed version will be faster. Unfortunately, though, my lung capacity is such that I definitely don't think I would be able to do the full amount of allowed yardage on each lap of any race beyond a 50 backstroke or 100IM. :blush: It sure is a great for my lungs trying to do it! If nothing else, my lung capacity will improve. :applaud: It's fun, too. :)

Tip of the Week: Backstroke with Eddie Reese

Chris Stevenson and Set of the Week

Tip of the Week: Backstroke with Eddie Reese Ande - Thanks a bunch for this. I agree that Eddie does a great job with the drill explanations, and I was able to use some of his comments with my youth swimmers last night at practice! I find the more perspectives I have, the more swimmers I can reach. Keep em coming! :)

I'm always trying to get my kids to understand the connection between abs and their backstroke kick... found this kick drill that absolutely works, and has the added benefit of getting them to dolphin both up and down in their fly kick. www.goswim.tv/.../backstroke---backwards-board-kick.html

Question for everyone: Can you see, while backstroking-- the lane line? the lifeguard standing at the end of the pool your feet point to? Your own feet or legs?

Question for everyone: Can you see, while backstroking-- the lane line? the lifeguard standing at the end of the pool your feet point to? Your own feet or legs? The sky and water rolling over my goggles. I do see a bit of the ropes in my periphery if I'm close.

Question for everyone: Can you see, while backstroking-- the lane line? the lifeguard standing at the end of the pool your feet point to? Your own feet or legs? Ropes, yes, peripherally. Guard, only immediately after the turn, again peripherally. Feet, Nope.