The back crawl, also known as the backstroke, is a swimming stroke where the swimmer is on their back, facing upwards towards the sky or ceiling. Here are the different aspects of the back crawl stroke:
Body position: The swimmer should lie flat on their back, with their head in line with their spine and their body in a straight line from their head to their toes. The body should be streamlined and the hips should be close to the surface of the water.
Leg action: The legs should alternate in a flutter kick, with the knees slightly bent and the feet pointed. The legs should be kept close together, and the kick should come from the hips. The motion should be smooth and continuous.
Arm action: The arms should alternate in a windmill-like motion, starting above the head and pulling down towards the hips. The arms should be kept straight as they move, and should be close to the body. The hands should be cupped, with the fingers slightly spread apart. The arms should then recover back to the starting position above the head, with the palms facing outwards.
Breathing: Breathing is done by turning the head to the side and taking a breath as one arm recovers above the head. The swimmer should exhale through their nose and mouth as their other arm pulls down towards the hips. The head should then return to the centre line, with the face back in the water.
Timing: The leg and arm actions should be coordinated so that they work together in a smooth and efficient motion. The arms and legs should alternate at a steady pace, with the legs providing a constant propulsion and the arms providing the pulling power. The breathing should also be timed with the arm strokes, so that the swimmer can take a breath without interrupting their stroke rhythm.
Overall, the back crawl is a graceful and efficient swimming stroke that requires good coordination, balance, and techniqueÂ
