Backstroke Body Position

Have you got that sinking feeling when you swim?  Your backstroke body position is likely to be the cause.  Read on to discover the essential parts and the mistakes you could already be making...

Backstroke body position is flat and horizontal, with ears slightly below the water surface. Your body position is an essential starting point for correct swimming technique.

Backstroke Body Position Video Demonstration

Good floaters will find the position for backstroke relaxing and relatively easy, whereas poor floaters will find it difficult to achieve a comfortable position and remain afloat.

FREE EBOOK:  all of the technique tips here can be found in my 'Backstroke Technique' book, along with a couple of bonus drills to help you perfect some essential parts of the stroke.

Don't miss out!  Click here to grab a FREE copy of my book. 

Top tips for an effective body position

1. The head and chest position are vital for establishing a correct starting point.  The slightest tilting forwards of the head will cause the chest and then hips to drop, upsetting the whole position.
2. The head remains still throughout the stroke with the eyes looking upwards.  
3. The hips and shoulders remain at or near the water surface but roll with the stroke. 
4. The legs and feet should be extended and remain together to maximise efficiency.
5. The knees remain below the water surface as the legs kick.

Check and correct your body position with these simple exercises

Ever get that feeling that you are sinking when you swim on your back?  It is very common to allow the legs to drop and the body position to become angled in the water without knowing it is happening.  

This is usually caused either by allowing the hips to drop or lifting the head slightly or a combination of both.  As the legs drop deeper the whole stroke becomes less efficient and more energy consuming.

Performing a push and glide from holding the poolside is a good way of testing how flat you can remain.  Ensure that you look upwards as you push away and stretch out so that your hips, legs and feet rise to the surface.  The overall body position is easily maintained with a correct and efficient leg kick.

Stop that sinking feeling and get the rest of your backstroke in shape...

If you are going to keep and flat body position at the surface of the water, the arm pulls and leg kicks need to play their part effectively too.  My book 'How To Swim Backstroke' contains all the drills, tips and tricks you need to master a smooth and efficient backstroke swimming technique.  

Click below and download a copy to your computer, tablet or mobile device.  Or, click here for more details. 

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Check out the other parts of backstroke...

Body Position

Legs

Arms

Breathing

Timing