Learn How To Swim 101 - Starting Backstroke - The Stoke (Arms)

Learn How To Swim Backstroke Arms

If you have been practising the backstroke kicking and recovery skills that I have talked about over the last few weeks then you should have a reasonably strong kick that is managing to keep your head out of the water as you kick on your back.

Learning Backstroke

If not then it is worthwhile spending the time to achieve just that. A good strong kick will stand you in good stead for the rest of your swimming life.

Now it's time to take that kick and put it to use and learn how to use your arms in the stroke part of backstroke.

Place your arms by your sides with your hands on your legs, arch your back, tilt your head back and lay in the water and begin to kick.

If you are managing to keep your head out of the water as you are swimming along you are ready to begin your stroke.

Managing To Keep Your Head Out Of The Water

If you are not managing to keep your head out of the water then you need to keep trying, using all the techniques that we have discussed when talking about back floating, till you can keep your head out of the water at least for a little bit.

Now that you can keep your head out of the water whilst you kick on your back, straighten your arms. Keeping your arms straight raise one arm out of the water making a big circle, the biggest circle you can and in one continuous movement place your arm in the water above your head.

Keep kicking as you raise your arm. In fact, never stop kicking throughout any of the arm movements.

You need to do this in a controlled and continuous fashion. Don't panic, don't rush it, but make sure you keep your arm moving constantly.

Once your arm is in the water push as hard and fast as you can against the water towards your leg.

You should now have both hands by your side again.

Kick a bit to get your stability back.

When you have your stability back repeat the process with the other arm.

Again kick a bit to get your stability back.

Repeat The Process

When you have your stability back repeat the process with the other arm.

And again kick a bit to get your stability back.

Wait... Get Your Lesson Plans Here

When you have your stability back repeat the process with the other arm.

Keep repeating the process with each arm one at a time.

You are now doing backstroke!!!

It may not be good backstroke but you are doing the backstroke.

Take a rest.

Go back to placing your hands on your legs and repeat the whole thing again.

Take a rest and repeat.

When you've had enough go have some fun to celebrate. You need to be very proud of yourself and you have a right to celebrate.

Next time we'll try to improve the efficiency of your backstroke.

Enjoy     
Richard