Backcrawl Swimming Techniques Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What characterizes the upward movement of the legs in backcrawl?

Involves primarily hip extension

Ankle is flexed upwards

Legs are flexed more than in crawl (correct)

Thigh movement should be rapid

During the downward movement of the legs, what primarily happens to the thigh?

It moves downward due to a rebound effect (correct)

It moves outwards to the sides

It remains stationary in alignment with the body

It flexes towards the abdomen

What should be the position of the foot during the downward movement of the legs?

Firmly pressed against the water

In a natural position, relaxed (correct)

Extended with toes pointed downwards

Flexed upwards towards the body

What is a common mistake made in the first downward movement in backcrawl?

Pushing the water to the side Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the speed of the leg's downward movement in backcrawl?

It should occur at a low speed Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended position of the head for reducing resistive drag in backcrawl?

Chin down with eyes looking at a 45º angle to the surface Signup and view all the answers

How should the hips be positioned to effectively perform the backcrawl stroke?

Slightly flexed Signup and view all the answers

What should be the maximum depth of the legs during the descending phase in backcrawl?

40cm below the surface Signup and view all the answers

Where should the water level be in relation to the ears while swimming backcrawl?

Just below the ears Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of keeping the body horizontal in backcrawl swimming?

To reduce resistive drag Signup and view all the answers

What is the most critical factor affecting the position of the head in backcrawl?

The buoyancy of the swimmer Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the thighs during the upward movement of the stroke in backcrawl?

They should remain underwater Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended head position during backcrawl?

In a neutral position Signup and view all the answers

How should the body be rotated during backcrawl?

In coordination with arm movements Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of maintaining alignment in backcrawl?

Hips and legs should stay shoulder-width apart Signup and view all the answers

What effect does lateral shifting have in backcrawl?

It causes inefficient movement Signup and view all the answers

When does the rotation of the body occur during backcrawl?

When the hand passes over the head Signup and view all the answers

What should happen to the shoulder during the upward movement in backcrawl?

Surface out of the water Signup and view all the answers

What position should the hips and legs be in while performing backcrawl?

Inside shoulder-width Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of buoyancy affects head positioning in backcrawl?

It dictates chin positioning Signup and view all the answers

During backcrawl, what type of movement do the hips and legs undergo?

Up and down oscillation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of body rotation during backcrawl swimming?

To prevent the hips and legs from swinging Signup and view all the answers

When does body rotation to the left commence during the stroke?

When the left arm passes the head in recovery Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended angle of rotation for backcrawl swimming?

45º on each side Signup and view all the answers

During backcrawl, when should a swimmer exhale?

During the recovery of one arm Signup and view all the answers

What should the arm resemble when entering the water during backcrawl?

Fully extended and in front of the shoulder Signup and view all the answers

How should the palm be positioned during the entry of the arm in backcrawl?

Facing outward to the side Signup and view all the answers

Which leg movement complements body rotation in backcrawl?

A beat performed diagonally Signup and view all the answers

What is the first action of the arm during the backcrawl stroke cycle?

Entry and Stretch Signup and view all the answers

What common mistake occurs more frequently during body rotation in backcrawl?

Under-rotation of the body Signup and view all the answers

What should be ensured about the shoulder at the start of each arm recovery in backcrawl?

One shoulder should be out of the water Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of the catch phase in backcrawl?

There is hardly any movement or speed. Signup and view all the answers

In the first upward movement of backcrawl, how should the elbow be positioned?

Flexed at around 90 degrees. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the palm at the end of the first upward movement in backcrawl?

It faces upwards as the arm changes direction. Signup and view all the answers

What signifies the transition to the next phase during the first upward movement?

The arm crosses the shoulder line. Signup and view all the answers

What should swimmers aim for in the amplitude of their stroke in backcrawl?

Variations based on depth and efficiency during propulsion. Signup and view all the answers

During the second downward movement, how is the arm positioned?

Straight and extended below the body. Signup and view all the answers

What is the initial direction of the arm during the second downward movement?

Backwards and downwards. Signup and view all the answers

What should the swimmer do at the end of the second downward movement?

Extend the arm fully with the hand facing down. Signup and view all the answers

What angle should the swimmer maintain for the elbow during the first upward movement?

90 degrees. Signup and view all the answers

How does the arm, forearm, and hand behave during the first upward movement in backcrawl?

They should move as a unit. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Swimming - Qualitative Analysis of the Back Crawl

Backstroke is the only swimming style that requires a dorsal position throughout the entire event, except for turns.

Backstroke Introduction

Developed from the inverted breaststroke style.
From 1930 to 1960, swimmers used a style inverted by Adolph Kiefer, moving their arms outside the body and below the water's surface for recovery.
Recovery was performed low and sideways above the water.
In the 1960s, a more efficient "S" stroke emerged, where arms are flexed at the start and stretched later.
Recovery is now performed above the head.
Modern backstroke mechanics resemble front crawl, but with the body in a supine position, causing lateral underwater stroke movements.

Backstroke Introduction - Alternative Movements

Alternating arm and leg movements are key.
The swimmer's face stays out of the water, except during turns and exits.
The style facilitates breathing, and maintaining a consistent rhythm is essential.
It is generally considered the second or third fastest swimming stroke.

Backstroke - Alignment (Horizontal)

Swimmers maintain horizontal alignment to reduce water resistance.
The head is positioned naturally in relation to the spine, with the chin down and eyes looking up and forward at approximately a 45-degree angle to the surface.
The head rests on the water, with the surface line slightly below the ears.
Head position may vary based on swimmer buoyancy.

Backstroke - Alignment (Horizontal) -Continued

Hips are slightly flexed to avoid breaking the water's surface during the upward stroke.
Legs should not sink more than approximately 40 cm below the surface, depending on the swimmer's size and posture.
Head rests in the water; the surface line is below the ears.
Hips are slightly flexed.
Thighs avoid breaking the surface (5 cm below).
Feet break slightly during descending phase.
Feet descend to roughly 40 cm deep.
Chin down, eyes looking up and forward.

Backstroke - Alignment(Lateral)

Hips and legs should remain shoulder-width apart.
The body rotates sideways on its axis while coordinating with arm movements, preventing shift during recovery and underwater strokes.
The body rotates to maintain alignment in the opposite direction of the arm's movement.
Rotation continues until most of the upward movement of the arm is complete.
Diagonal leg movements facilitate body rotation.
Rotation should begin when the arm that is recovering passes over the head, to help the opposite arm's movement in its second downward push.
Arms and legs should coordinate correctly throughout the stroke.

Backstroke - Importance of Rotation

Rotate the body in the same direction as the arm, to prevent swinging from side-to-side.
Over-rotation is less common than under-rotation.
Rotation should be approximately 45 degrees to each side.
Rotation starts to the side when the recovering arm passes over the head.
Rotation continues until most of the upward arm movement is complete.
Legs move diagonally to enhance rotation.

Backstroke - Breathing

Head should stay above water.
Breathe in and out as desired.
Inhale during one arm's recovery, and exhale during the other arm's recovery.

Backstroke - Arm Actions

Entry and Stretch
First downward movement
Catch
First upward movement
Second downward movement
Second upward movement
Recovery

Backstroke - Arm Actions (Entry and Stretch)

The entering arm completes its downward movement while the other is performing the second downward movement.
The arm is extended fully in front of the shoulder.
The palm faces outward, enabling the hand to slide into the water edgewise.
The entry should be as smooth as possible.

Backstroke - Arm Actions (1st Downward Movement)

The objective is positioning the arm to apply propulsive force and supporting the head and shoulders while the other arm is recovering.
The arm moves downward.
The elbow bends.
The palm of the hand, facing outward at the beginning, rotates downward.

Backstroke - Arm Actions (Catch)

Hand's depth is between 45 and 60 cm below the surface, laterally separated from the shoulder by around 60 cm.
Elbow bends almost to 90 degrees, forearm aligns with the hand (no flexion or extension).
In this phase, there's limited movement or speed.

Backstroke - Arm Actions (Upward Movement 1/4-1st)

Propelling movement using the arm is semicircular in motion.
At the start, the grip is on the water, ending by placing the arm near the surface in front of the shoulder.
The elbow flexes to approximately 90 degrees.

Backstroke - Arm Actions (Upward Movement 1/4-2nd)

Palm faces upwards as arm changes direction.
Arm, forearm, and hand move as a unit.
This phase's end occurs when the arm passes the shoulder.
Stroke amplitude varies based on the grip depth and the efficiency of propulsion.

Backstroke - Arm Actions (2nd Downward Movement)

The arm extends downward until it is below the body.
The swimmer pushes water backward and downward during the first half of the movement.
The movement finishes with the arm fully extended beneath the body.
The hand will face down.

Backstroke - Arm Actions (2nd Upward Movement)

An upward movement, the swimmer pivots the palm upright while pushing against the water.
The arm stays straight throughout this portion.
The segment concludes when the arm almost reaches the surface, thus being a brief action.

Backstroke - Arm Actions(Recovery)

The palm turns outwards allowing a smooth hand movement through the water, thus minimizing resistance.
The body rotates to support recovery of the stroke's arm.
The hand exits the water when the little finger goes first.
Hand speed subsiding immediately after the arm is recovered.
The palm faces outwards during the recovery.
Arms and hands are relaxed to allow muscles to rest between underwater strokes.
Drag minimization through putting arms smoothly into the water and maintaining a high shoulder during recovery until the arm passes over the head.

Backstroke - Recovery and Exit

Internal rotation brings the arm and hand out of the water.
To aid overcoming inertia, the shoulder will roll outwards.
The arm and hand should feel relaxed.

Backstroke - Turn in Backstroke

Approach: Maintain a strong stroke as you get closer to the wall.
Start the turn preparation several strokes ahead of the wall.
Timing and Preparation: Use stroke counts from flags to start the turn.
As you get closer to the wall, slightly increase the stroke rate for more speed.

Backstroke - Flip and Tuck

Before hitting the wall, do a quick somersault.
Bring your chin to your chest, and position your knees near your chest.
Your body's rotation and move underwater must be continuous and smooth.

Backstroke - Push off the Wall

Push hard off the wall using your feet.
Keep pushing with force, and be streamlined to optimize results.
Touch the wall with the hand closest to it at the same time your feet do, guaranteeing a fair and within-the-rules turn.

Backstroke - Streamlined Position

After pushing off, maintain a streamlined posture.
Your body should extend with your arms and above your head.
Your body should be parallel to the water's surface.

Backstroke - Transition to Swimming

Once the push-off is complete, begin the Backstroke movements again.
Use your regular stroke rate and technique to continue your swim.

Backstroke - Flag Use

They primarily aid safety.
They assist swimmers with visual cues.

Diving

In swimming, the start jump or dive is critical impacting race outcome.
Starting technique depends on specific swimming events.

Starting Position (On The Block)

Position your feet close together with your toes pointing forward and your heels off the edge of the starting blocks.
Position your body inclined slightly forward.

Take Your Mark

Position may vary.
Involves a crouched stance.
One foot slightly ahead of the other.
Hands gripping front rim of the block.

Jump and Entry

Forceful forceful leg push-off from the block to maximize initial speed.
An efficient body entry into the water to minimize drag.
Body alignment, from fingertips to toes, is important in this stage.

Backstroke - In Water Position

Swimmers enter the water with their backs in the water.
The backstroke bar on the pool aids getting into the optimal beginning position.

Backstroke - Position your Feet

Extended legs underwater, with the feet placed near the surface.
Keep your body close to the wall.

Backstroke - Reaction Time

React quickly to the starting signal/sound.
As soon as you hear the beep or signal, initiate a backward jump starting from the bar.

Backstroke - Jump and Rotation

Push off the bar with feet as the first step.
Perform a backward somersault underwater.
Stretch and position the body, prepare for backstroke swimming when out of the water.

Backstroke - Questions (General)

Many "what," "when," "how,", "who" etc questions are asked regarding various elements of the backstroke technique.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the techniques and mechanics of backcrawl swimming. This quiz covers various aspects such as leg movements, head position, and body alignment to enhance your swimming performance. Perfect for swimmers looking to improve their backcrawl technique.