After the pull phase, proper recovery is the next phase of helping you execute the backstroke. Hand position is the most important part of the recovery in backstroke pull.

Make sure your hand is exiting the water thumb first and entering pinky first by flipping your hand during the recovery. This will set up your arm into the perfect position for a powerful pull.

Rolling your shoulders during the stroke will help to prevent strain on the joint. Keeping the arms straight during recovery ensures you are pulling from the very top of your stroke to the very bottom, maximizing the distance of your pull and the power.

Check out Backstroke Pull

By Emily Lehr

Emily is a full-time customer service representative and part-time Lifeguard/Instructor at MacEwan University Sport and Wellness. She has seven years of experience coaching competitive swimming.