Backstroke

Backstroke is one of the three swimming styles regulated by FINA, and the only regulated style swum on the back. This has the advantage of easy breathing, but the disadvantage of not seeing where the swimmer is heading to. It is also the only competition swimming style that starts in the water. The swimming style is similar to an upside down front crawl. Both backstroke and front crawl are long-axis strokes.

Speed and Ergonomics

Backstroke is the second slowest speed after breaststroke. Due to the alternating arm stroke, there is always one arm engaged and the overall swimming speed does not vary very much throughout the cycle. The max. swimming speed is around 1.84 meter per second. Due to its position on the back, backstroke uses different muscles in the upper body than other styles.

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