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Backstroke/Back Crawl Backstroke, also known as back crawl, is probably the easiest of all competitive strokes to teach and learn, as the swimmer has his/her head out of the water, unlike freestyle where the face is in the water and breathing and arm coordination must be mastered.   Some learners prefer backstroke because their faces are out of the water and breathing is not an issue. Backstroke and front crawl have similarities. These similarities are useful when beginning swimmers are reminded of a skill or part of a skill which may be familiar to them.   Body Position   Key Points Supine, horizontal and streamlined. Ears are submerged just below the water surface. Head remains still, eyes look upward or slightly down toward toes. Chin is tucked in to ensure that the legs are kept in the water. Hips are kept close to the surface. Shoulders roll along with the stroke. To keep the legs in the water, there is a slight slope down from the head to the hips.   Kick The leg action assists in maintaining a horizontal body position and balancing the arm action. This will minimize the legs swaying from side to side. It may also contribute to some propulsion.   Key Points The continuous up and down alternating action is started from the hips. Legs are close together. Legs are kept almost straight with the knees remaining below the surface. Relaxed ankles allow the toes to point. Feet break the surface at the end of the upbeat, trying not to splash.   Arm Action The arm action is continuous and alternating. The arm action provides constant propulsion. Bent-arm action is more efficient than straight-arm action. The straight-arm action may be preferred in the early stages of development.   Key Points — Entry The little finger should enter the water first, straight arm and close to the shoulder line.   Key Points — Initial Down Sweep The arm sweeps downwards and outwards to the catch. This is assisted by a natural shoulder roll. The hand is pitched downwards and outwards by the palm.   Key Points — Up Sweep The hand pitch is changed to sweep inwards and upwards. The arms are bent at a 90-degree angle at the elbow.   Key Points — Final Down Sweep The arm pushes through to the thigh. Fingers are pointing sideways and palms are downward.   Key Points — Recovery The hand comes out thumb first. The arm turns gradually to ensure that the little finger is ready for entry. Arm remains straight and relaxed throughout.   Key Points — Breathing Breathing is natural. As a rule, breathe every stroke cycle.   Key Points — Timing Six leg kicks to one stroke cycle.

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