Backstroke

Backstroke

Freshman Foundations

Backstroke

This stroke is done with the swimmers
body facing up. The swimmer uses a
windmill motion with their arms to pull
their body. The swimmer needs to
make sure that their arms are reaching
for the same point each time so that
they travel in a straight line. The thumb
leaves the water first by their leg and
the pinkie enters the water first above

their head. Their feet can either do a
frog-like kick OR a flutter kick. Their
body rolls from side to side to create
more streamline.

Backstroke Explained

Backstroke Explained Part II

Let’s Review

Multiple Choice

What finger do you put in the water first?

• Pinkie

• Thumb

Multiple Choice

What part of the arm pulls the water down?

• Shoulder

• Upper Arm

• Forearm

Multiple Choice

Your thumb should come out of the water first and  your pinkie should enter the water first.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Which part of your hand exits the water first on the recovery phase?

• Thumb

• Pinkie

• Palm

Multiple Choice

Is your arm fully extended when out of the water?

• Yes

• No