The Backstroke Lane

I am experiencing shoulder pain (impingement I think - top of shoulder). Should backstroke entry be back of hand first or pinky first?

Does a more back-of-hand entry perhaps suggest not enough roll?

Perhaps I'm not rolling enough. Not due to entry problems, but during release my entire forearm lifts the water in the air like I'm lifting weights

New M 50+ SCM backstroke records: swimswam.com/.../

77 Year old David Costill Sets 500 1000, and 1650 Backstroke Record in the "Butterfly is Not a Crime" Postal Swim. Check out his times at www.swimflyfast.com His 1650 time would have given him second place in Freestyle at nationals, his 1000 forth. He was smoking!

As of 1/1/14 The wedge for backstroke is Legal! I look forward to trying it. Has anyone trided it yet? I'd like more info and to see FINA's official wording in the rules. NEWS: -As of Jan. 1, 2014, a new backstroke starting ledge will be permitted for starts. The ledge is comparable to the wedge or fin device now used on blocks for forward starts and hangs from the starting block by straps. The rule for use of the ledge will still require both feet to be in contact with the wall or pad, and the toes will not be allowed to curl over the top of the gutter or timing pad. Once an athlete starts, the ledge will have to be removed for turns and finishes. It is advised that a coach or teammate remove the device for the athlete after the start and place it on the deck. FINA will be releasing specifications and dimensions for those approved wedges in the coming weeks. We will pass along more information on this as it becomes available. FROM: www.floridaswimming.org/.../Officiating News and Notes_091613.pdf EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Testing New Backstroke Platform at USA Swimming Nationals Published:June 28, 2013 Pros and Cons of New Omega Backstroke Starting Platform

So this is a little ledge dangled in the water from the block on which your heel rests? The only images I could find were above the water, and didn't show how the swimmer's foot interacts with them.

So this is a little ledge dangled in the water from the block on which your heel rests? The only images I could find were above the water, and didn't show how the swimmer's foot interacts with them. I believe the best way is to have your toes on the touchpad and the ball of your feet on the wedge. YOU WOULD NOT WANT TO REST YOUR HEELS ON IT.

A short video... www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/.../34908.asp Great news. Most backstrokers have never felt too confident about getting a solid foothold at the start.

Should the finish of the stroke involve a flick down of the hand in order to initiate body roll? If not, how is body roll initiated as I have a hard time accepting that it is the kick? Also should hand scull on exit or knife out on exit?