Kicking in Backstroke

How do you kick in backstroke?

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How to Kick in Backstroke Swimming

Kicking in Backstroke: There's a contrast between a "crossover" style where the legs cross over one another during the kick, and a "tight box" approach where the legs stay close together without crossing, maintaining a rhythmic pattern like "one, two, three." The speaker prefers the tight box method for its efficiency and balance.

Backstroke Kicking Technique: The initiation of the kick should ideally come from the hip rather than the knee to avoid excessive bending which can lead to increased drag and energy waste. The focus should be on minimizing knee bend, pointing the toes, and moving the legs in a forward-backward motion.

The Importance of Flexibility and Ankle Mobility: There's an emphasis on the importance of ankle flexibility for better propulsion. Techniques like sitting back on one's ankles.

Role of the Kick: While the kick in backstroke doesn't provide the main propulsion, it's crucial for maintaining rhythm and supporting the arms. Losing leg coordination can significantly impact the overall performance of the swim.