backstroke

backstroke, swimming stroke performed on the back in which the swimmer alternates raising each arm over the head and uses an up-and-down flutter kick. The backstroke is a competition stroke, but it is also used in recreational swimming as a rest from other strokes, frequently with minimal arm motion and only enough kick to maintain forward motion. It is the third fastest of the four main strokes and is likened to an upside-down freestyle.

History and competition

The backstroke was introduced into competition in the 20th century. It was included as an Olympic event for men in 1900 and for women in 1924. Men and women compete in the Olympics at 100 meters and 200 meters, and the world championships feature both those distances and also a 50-meter race.

Technique and movement

Unlike in the other three strokes, in competition, backstroke swimmers start in the pool by holding onto handles and leaping off the wall into the water. After the start and each turn, they are permitted to remain underwater for up to 15 meters (49 feet) before breaking the surface and beginning the stroke. In the backstroke the swimmer’s body position is supine, the body being held as flat and streamlined as possible. The arms reach alternately above the head and enter the water directly in line with the shoulders, the palm facing outward with the little finger entering the water first.

With the palm now turned downward and then toward the feet, the arm sweeps through the water with a slight bend, downward and outward and then toward the hip. Meanwhile, the body rolls toward the arm, a movement that must not exceed 90 degrees from horizontal. Once the arm reaches the hip, it is extended while the palm is turned toward the body, so that the hand exits the water thumb first. While that arm is extending underwater, the other arm enters the water. The swimmer breathes once per arm stroke. The kick was originally the frog kick, but it has subsequently involved moving the legs up and down from the hips, as in the crawl, or freestyle, stroke.

Notable backstroke swimmers

• Krisztina Egerszegi (Hungary)
• Missy Franklin (U.S.)
• Camille Lacourt (France)
• Ryan Lochte (U.S.)
• Kylie Masse (Canada)
• Roland Matthes (East Germany)
• John Naber (U.S.)
• Kristin Otto (East Germany)
• Sophie Pascoe (New Zealand)
• Aaron Peirsol (U.S.)