Backstroke - Push Phase

Evaluating a critical element of backstroke technique is straightforward with a key biomechanical cue. In the images below, a top view shows the position of the right hand with respect to the elbow during the push phase.

 

Most swimmers (even those with sufficient elbow bend) push the hand back past the shoulder with the hand too far away from the body (as shown in the left image). In the more effective technique shown in the right image, the swimmer's hand moves closer to the body.

  

As the elbow flexes on the push, the hand moves medially to the elbow (closer to the body), so that the arm will be in a stronger (more mechanically advantageous) position to generate force. Note the difference in the relative orientation of the hand and elbow in the images.

  

Remembering one cue can help a swimmer to stay on track with this technique advantage. "Brushing the side of the leg with the thumb" gives the swimmer feedback about the position of the hand at the end of the push phase.