Definition
From the classical breaststroke in supine position (old German backstroke), the today’s backstroke developed, which is similar to the crawl in supine position. The currently applied backstroke is characterized by a constantly changing rolling motion around the longitudinal axis of the body. The chin is slightly lowered towards the chest and the view is towards the opposite starting block. Backstroke is one of the more difficult forms of movement when swimming.
Motion description
Arm movement: Since backstroke is a cyclical movement and the arms are moved alternately above and below the water, it is sufficient to explain the arm movement on only one side of the body. The movement begins with the immersion of the stretched arm. At this point, the palm of the hand points outwards, the fingers are slightly spread.
The upper body rolls around the longitudinal axis in the direction of the immersed arm, and the hand is moved outwards and downwards. In about 30 cm water depth the flexion of the elbow starts up to an efficiency of 90° at shoulder height. At this point the pressure phase begins.
When the hand is at the height of the abdomen, the rolling movement of the upper body towards the opposite side begins. The underwater action of one arm ends when the hand is at thigh level. The pre-swing phase above water is initiated.
The pre-swing phase begins by lifting the shoulder above the water line while the arm is still under water. The stretched arm is swung forward as quickly as possible. The arm cycle is not windmill-like as often assumed, because at a certain point in time both arms are under water.
Leg movement: The leg movement is characterized by an alternating up and down movement of the legs. During an arm cycle six fast leg actions are performed. The leg movement takes place as a whip-like movement, whereby the back of the foot should be overstretched.
The amplitude of the leg beat is 30- 40 cm. The frequency should be kept in such a way that the legs are in extension of the upper body, so that the leg movement can produce as much propulsion as possible. The upper body is slightly bent at the hips so that the legs have their efficiency below the water surface. You can find a detailed motion description for backstroke swimming here:
