Backstroke For Beginners

This stroke is like the front crawl, but on the back. Some beginners prefer it because the face stays out of the water.

Step 1: Legs

Your body needs to be laying flat in the water with your ears just slightly submerged. You need to do long fast kicks to keep your body horizontal and in a straight line. Keep your ankles relaxed, which will allow the toes to point and flick up at the surface. Try doing six kicks to one arm cycle. That's three kicks per arm movement.

Step 2: Arms

The arms provide the power in the back stroke. Start by creating a downward circular motion with one arm through the water so that you finish with the arm at your side. Then repeat with the other arm making a circular motion. Your little finger should enter the water first, palm facing outwards. Bend your elbow slightly as you draw it through the water. Your arms should be alternating - one coming out of the water as the other enters.

Try to practise these techniques regularly. They will help to build up your confidence in the water and help you to get the best out of the back stroke.