What causes the most propulsion in backstroke--arms or kicks
Former Member
Some say in backstroke propulsion comes mostly from the arm movement, while others say kicking is the most important. What do you think? Is it possible to be fast (not the fastest) while being weak in one or the other?
Parents
Former Member
I beg to differ, Ande. If you saw underwater footage of my backstroke kick, you would know that I am a very weak kicker, hence the reason why I don't do dolphin kicks off any turn. Yet I've managed to win a few big Masters races. I understand that I may be an anomaly, but it is possible to be a strong upper-body backstroker and win a few races, even in short course. You just have to embrace our flaws and work on your strengths so it all balances out nicely.
Jeff, you don't do any underwater kicks? Do you flutter kick? How are far off the walls do you go before surfacing?
I beg to differ, Ande. If you saw underwater footage of my backstroke kick, you would know that I am a very weak kicker, hence the reason why I don't do dolphin kicks off any turn. Yet I've managed to win a few big Masters races. I understand that I may be an anomaly, but it is possible to be a strong upper-body backstroker and win a few races, even in short course. You just have to embrace our flaws and work on your strengths so it all balances out nicely.
Jeff, you don't do any underwater kicks? Do you flutter kick? How are far off the walls do you go before surfacing?
