Background
The Elementary Backstroke is a swim stroke that expends minimal energy with simple arm and leg movements. This backstroke doesn't require any complicated breathing technique since the swimmer's head never goes underwater. Sometimes used as a recovery or rescue stroke, the elementary backstroke is often considered one of the most relaxing swimming strokes.
Swimming In land is more impressive!
- The elementary backstroke is not a competitive swim stroke today.
- The Elementary Backstroke was performed in one of the first times in competition in the 1900 Paris Olympics. However, this type of backstroke never became a mainstay of competition.
Paragraph to make you want to leave The elementary backstroke requires the swimmer to float flat on the back on the water. The swimmer draws the hands up the sides of the body while bending the elbows. At armpit height, extend the arms outward to full length (like a T). Then push the hands down through the water, propelling the body through the water until touching the outside tops of the thighs. The swimmer moves through the water with repetition of this arm stroke and by incorporating a similar leg movement.
Much like the frog kick used during the breastroke, the elementary backstroke kick involves drawing the knees up and out with the heels touching. Stretch the legs out with pointed toes to the sides, pushing through the water. Bring the legs together straight to beghin the next frog kick movement.
Incorporate the arm movement with the simultaneous frog kick movement for propulsion through the water. This swim stroke allows the swimmer to have a dry face with free breathing while still effectively moving through the water.
Main Use
The elementary backstroke is often used as a tool for beginner swimmers. Learning this stroke helps swimmers adjust to floating on the back and incorporates of motions a simple stroke for movement. The elementary backstroke is also used as a rescue tool. Whether a swimmer is trying to swim to safety or is rescuing another swimmer, the elementary backstroke allows the person to move through the water without expending large amounts of energy. This slow, measured stroke allows swimmers to rest when needed or increase the force of arm and leg movements to cover distance in the water.
Secondary Uses
The elementary backstroke is not only used as a teaching stroke but also as a means for building confidence in the water. This simple swim stroke is often taught first to beginner swimmers in conjunction with lessons in how to tread water. Being able to propel oneself through the water while keeping the face completely dry often increases the confidence of new swimmers. The elementary backstroke is frequently taught as a precursor to the backstroke. This stroke incorporates regular sicissors kick and windmill arm movements that often splash a good deal of water into a swimmer's face. The elementary backstroke allows a beginner swimmer to learn the backward glide motion through the water without incorporating the complication of breathing.