Backstroke

Backstroke is one of the four strokes that is used in competitive swimming that is regulated by IOC.(International Olympic Committee) Backstroke is one of the more odd strokes. Out of thew four competitive strokes its the only one that you race on your back. It became popular in the early 1900s due to the man Henry Hebner. Henry Raised its popularity when he had won the International backstroke event for seven consecutive years. He also at the time held the record for the 100m backstroke event. And won the Olympic gold metal in this event in the year of the 1912 Olympics.

This is a poster about the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm. Where Henry Hebner won his Gold medal for backstroke.
This is a poster about the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm. Where Henry Hebner won his Gold medal for backstroke.

Backstroke has its advantages and disadvantages compared to the other strokes. A big advantage compared to the other strokes that backstroke holds is an easier breathing advantage. Your head for the whole race excluding the term has to break the surface. And since you’re on your back your mouth and nose are out of water the whole time making it easier to breathe compared to the other strokes. But a disadvantage of doing is that you can’t see what’s ahead of you. So you could zig-zag which kills your time. But as a safety precaution they hang flags five meters away from each wall so the swimmers know there is a wall and can prepare to end or do a flip turn in their race. It also prevents head to wall collisions.

When practicing or competing for this event here are a few things you might want to know.

  • When swimming you will want to keep your body as flat as possible. Don’t tilt your head up or down as it will strain your neck. In addition to slow you down quite a bit.
  • Keep your hips aligned with your body. If you lets them dip your time will dramatically increase. You will be slowed down by a lot. But keep in mind you do want to keep them fully submerged in the water. So your legs are kicking completely under water.
  • When kicking make sure you start kicking from the hips rather than the knees. It generates more power from the hip.
  • Try to keep breathing to a minimum. The less breathes yo take the better even if your face is almost always out of the water.
  • When turning yo are allowed to flip to your stomach and use one arm pull. And after a flip turn you aren’t allowed to be on your stomach you must stay on your back to complete the race without getting disqualified.
This is a lady competing in a backstroke event.
This is a lady competing in a backstroke event.
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