The Backstroke Lane

Wow, that is a fantastic video. It really shows the speed of the underwater. Chris Stevenson, are you faster underwater (for just 25) or swimming?

Wow, that is a fantastic video. It really shows the speed of the underwater. Chris Stevenson, are you faster underwater (for just 25) or swimming? Underwater is definitely faster than my backstroke swimming, and just about the same speed as my freestyle sprint.

I always had a hard time going straight and usually hugged the lane line as a guide. One year my coach had us do lots and lots of drills: six kicks on side/switch to other side and "L" drill where you hold your arm straight up forming an L with your body for a count of 3. When I went to nationals that year in an outdoor pool, I remember being amazed that I went straight. I believe the drills made a huge difference. Thanks Betsy. Is this drill Richard Quick's L drill? Where can I see a video?

I first learned the drill at a clinic. I can't remember if it was in Quick's video or not. I borrowed the DVD from a coach.

I first learned the drill at a clinic. I can't remember if it was in Quick's video or not. I borrowed the DVD from a coach. It is a pretty old drill. I believe Diane Cayce has been using it for decades. Though she calls it the "rifle" drill, emphasizing that she wants you sighting along the arm to the ceiling. I like this description of the drill because it emphasizes both rotation and proper head position.

A good article about Canadians at Worlds... www.montrealgazette.com/.../story.html Very impressive, mature comment from Sinead regarding her approach to her backstroke competitions... especially after setting a record... “I'm really happy about the record,'' said the 18-year-old Russell. “I just wanted to go race my heat, I didn't expect to beat the time again. The key is to work on me and not everyone else around me." Probably a good starting point for coaching any backstroker!

Backstroke - still starting out, totally. Although my lifetime backstroke net distance is likely "good" as in form, but more as a relief. Maybe it's my body telling me to swim upside-down for a change. Is backstroke typically less demanding on shoulders than free?

... Is backstroke typically less demanding on shoulders than free? ... Um... NO. Actually, even with a tremendous rotation, if you are pulling correctly, you are pulling with the elbow located somewhat behind the shoulder and chest. To experience the difference in stressors, stand at the edge of the pool where your shoulder is level to the deck. Facing the deck (freestyle) lay the arm in front of you, palm down and push down on the deck. Now turn 90 degrees to the deck (backstroke), lay the arm out to the side with the elbow slightly behind the shoulder on the deck, again palm down, and push down. You will likely note the shoulder stress more across the front of your shoulder.

Backstroke - still starting out, totally. Although my lifetime backstroke net distance is likely "good" as in form, but more as a relief. Maybe it's my body telling me to swim upside-down for a change. Is backstroke typically less demanding on shoulders than free? I don't know if it any less demanding on the shoulders, but I like to kind of "unwind" in my warmups with some backstroke. Example: 200 Free, 100 Back, 200 Free, 100 Back. After the warmup, backstroke is evil (so is breaststroke) :)

This spring was my first full, dedicated season swimming since graduating high school 15 years ago. I am trying to correct my stoke so that I can be more efficient. I notice that my body is flatter in the water, most likely attributed to having to pull 20 more pounds through it as compared to a few years ago. I was able to get under one minute in the 100yd back in March, which I am very satisfied with at this point (I was sub :54 ages ago). Folks at the swim pool confirm that my body rotation is off and my stroke is not as 1) smooth or 2) powerful as before (small town, same faces). What are some things that I can be trying to get better body roll and consequently a better pull? :groovy: My hips and shoulders don't seem to be in correct alignment, but if I do an easy (almost) two-beat kick, my stroke "feels" better. I have played in practice with increasing my turnover when my hand is OUT of the water, and that also helps a little as it keeps my hands from entering into the water too close to my head. Any drills/ideas I can try? I have a meet in two weeks and can try to get a video of my swim. Much obliged.