Backstroke

Backstroke, also called back crawl, is one of the four main swimming styles used in big swimming races watched by FINA. It is special because swimmers do it on their backs. This makes breathing easy, but swimmers can't see where they are going. The start of a backstroke race is also different from other swimming styles.

Backstroke looks like an upside-down version of the front crawl or freestyle. Both backstroke and front crawl are called long-axis strokes because the body moves smoothly down the length of the pool. In some races, backstroke is the second style used, and in others, it is the first style swum.

History

Backstroke is an old way of swimming. It became well-known because of Harry Hebner. It was the second swimming style used in competitions, after the front crawl. The first time backstroke was raced in the Olympics was during the 1900 Paris Olympics men's 200 meter event.

Technique

In backstroke, the swimmer lies flat on their back with arms and legs stretched out. The arms move in a special way to help the swimmer go forward. One arm moves underwater while the other moves above the water. This helps push the swimmer ahead.

The legs also move up and down, which helps keep the swimmer steady and adds to the speed. Breathing is easier in this style because the swimmer’s face stays above the water.

The start of a backstroke race is special because it is the only race where swimmers start from the water. They push off from the wall and swim underwater for a short distance before coming up for air. When turning at the end of the pool, swimmers flip over to touch the wall and then push off again. They must finish the race lying on their back.

Competitions

There are three common distances for competitive backstroke swimming. These can be swum in a long course pool (50 m) or a short course pool (25 m). In the United States, they also use short-course yards (25-yard pool).

The distances are:

• 50 m backstroke
• 100 m backstroke
• 200 m backstroke

Backstroke is also part of the medley for these distances:

• 100 m individual medley (short course 25 m pool only)
• 200 m individual medley
• 400 m individual medley
• 4 × 100 m medley relay

Here are some important rules for backstroke races:

• Swimmers must line up in the water facing the starting end before the race starts.
• Swimmers must swim on their back the whole race, except when turning.
• Swimmers must keep part of their body above the water at all times, except during turns and for a short distance after starting or turning.
• During turns, swimmers must touch the wall with some part of their body.
• At the end of the race, swimmers must touch the wall while still on their back.

Olympic and world long-course champions in backstroke

Men

Women