The Backstroke Lane

You set a PR after doing a 400 IM, going just over :40 with an open turn. Pretty awesome if you asked me! Thanks! But, a side note is that I have been working hard on my backstroke for two reasons: 1. To improve my 400 IM 2. Because I can't train breaststroke as much as I would like to, because of nagging injuries. So, there has been a trade-off. As my breaststroke race times have taken a dump :censor: , my backstroke has improved.

You possibly may be overreaching (i.e. reaching your hand above your head so that it crosses over inside of your shoulder width). This would cause your lower half to compensate for the upper half getting out of alignment. Try to enter at the 11 o'clock/1 o'clock position. Backstroke hand entry too close to the center line is definitey a common problem. Another is too much head motion. Both of these can lead to fish-tailing. I have drill that helps correct both of these problems - do backstroke with a pull-bouy balanced on your forehead. The solid one-piece kind work well. Like this one: www.swimoutlet.com/.../20602.htm The kind with two pieces connected by chords don't work as well. Like this one: www.swimoutlet.com/.../1241.htm Sometimes people will place a rubber donut, water bottle, etc. on their forehead as a backstroke drill. This helps steady the head, but it doesn't address the hand entry issue. A pull bouy is wider. If you cross your hand over, you will knock the pull bouy off with your bicep. It forces the entry at 11 & 1 - 10 & 2. Another point about this drill, the pull bouy will partially obscure your vision so it helps with learning to swim straight, especially useful if you plan to race outside. A word of caution though, be very careful going into the wall. I count my strokes for the full length, and watch for the flags out of my preipheral vision so that I don't crash into the wall.

If I am doing a backstroke pull set, and I notice that I start fishtailing a bit (with my legs), does that mean I am not getting enough rotation? Probably, but a better question is: Should I do backstroke pull sets? Except maybe on the forehead as Karl S. suggests, which I may try, I cannot see how using a pull-buoy could help your backstroke at all. Coordination between pull and kick is critical to a strong backstroke.

Definately Elaine, our seed times may place us in the same heat for long course this summer! Your backstroke has taken off. Athens, Greenville, or Mission Viejo? Where will I finally get to meet you? :D Anyway, thanks! Today, I raced 100 backstroke for the first time and hoped to break 1:30, but I came in at 1:33.11. I was still happy, though, because it followed the 200 fly, as well as the 100 breaststroke that I raced just before backstroke. Hey, Steve, that story about the mesh bag on the other thread was a hoot. No wonder your wife gave you such a strange look! :lmao:

You set a PR after doing a 400 IM, going just over :40 with an open turn. Pretty awesome if you asked me! Definately Elaine, our seed times may place us in the same heat for long course this summer! Your backstroke has taken off.

Thanks for the answers to the issue I posted earlier. I am working things through and will check back when I find an answer.

Athens, Greenville, or Mission Viejo? Where will I finally get to meet you? :D Anyway, thanks! Today, I raced 100 backstroke for the first time and hoped to break 1:30, but I came in at 1:33.11. I was still happy, though, because it followed the 200 fly, as well as the 100 breaststroke that I raced just before backstroke. Hey, Steve, that story about the mesh bag on the other thread was a hoot. No wonder your wife gave you such a strange look! :lmao: You'll break 1:30 easy when you incorporate the flip turn; have you thought about working on that recently?

You'll break 1:30 easy when you incorporate the flip turn; have you thought about working on that recently? No can do; I have Meniere's: www.mayoclinic.com/.../DS00535 Flip turns make me seasick! :eek: :eeew:

No can do; I have Meniere's: www.mayoclinic.com/.../DS00535 Flip turns make me seasick! :eek: :eeew: Open turns are good... really, disregard my previous post!

Athens and Greenville:) I will see you at Athens! Backstroke gridge? :D