In Swimming, What Is the Backstroke?
The backstroke, or back crawl, is a swimming stroke popular both for exercise and in competition. Using a combination of long arm strokes and flutter kicks, this style of swimming allows for powerful movement through the water. The stroke allows for easier breathing, as the head and nose are kept above the water level most of the time. Practicing backstroke can be excellent exercise, though care should be taken to perform the stroke correctly, as arm and shoulder injuries can occur. To do a basic version of the stroke, the swimmer lies on his or her back. Legs should be held straight, with toes pointed, but should not be stiff in the water. The leg motion for the stroke is a simple fluttering kick, taking care to keep splashes small and movement focused for maximum power. While kicking, the swimmer moves arms in a windmill motion, straightening each one while out of the water and bending the elbow and cupping the hand slightly when under water.
