Swimming: Backstroke - Drills

Streamline Kick. Kick on your back with arms
stretched out down the pool hugging your
ears. Place one hand on top of the other or
interlock the thumbs to ensure a streamlined
position. Ensure the chest is high and clear of
the water surface with the hips held high. Do
not sit in the water with low hips. Ensure the
body is flat and high on the water surface to
create good streamlining.

Single Arm Backstroke will develop extra
pulling strength and shoulder rotation.
Concentrate on the pulling pattern with one
arm at your side. Alternate 5, 10 or 15 metres
with the right arm and 5, 10 or 15 metres with
the left arm, lifting the opposite shoulder
towards the chin as the arm recovers.

Dolphin Leg Kick. Kick backstroke with dolphin
legs to develop and improve abdominal
strength. Arms will be stretched out above your
head, pressing over the ears with the upper
arm, straighten the elbows and interlock the
hands. This drill will really work that stomach.

Double Arm Backstroke or Old English Backstroke will keep or increase flexibility across the chest. Watch the arms and hands recover over the water surface. As the arms recover the little fingers cut into the water first. Once the hands have entered the water exaggerate the drop of your elbows underwater before the hands and forearms push towards your feet.