Sidestroke & Backstroke Swimming with SuperSwim

Sidestroke & Backstroke Swimming with SuperSwim

Two swimming techniques with very literal names are the sidestroke and the backstroke. Both are dynamic and effective, but they’re best known for having the advantage of easy breathing. Though they have their differences, they can both be practiced and improved with the help of a SuperSwim tether system

 


SIDESTROKE

Ever wanted to train like a Navy Seal? You’ll need to work on your sidestroke. It’s the preferred technique for anyone interested in efficiency, distance, and convenience. Because this technique works harder on one side of the body, swimmers can alternate sides to avoid fatigue and increase endurance. 

Lie on one side, with your head partially above the water for easy breathing. Start with your legs straight, lower arm extended, and upper arm flat along your torso. 

Pull your lower arm toward your chest, while bending your upper arm so your hands meet in front of your chest. Then extend your lower arm while pushing the water back with your upper arm to propel you forward.

For your legs, you’ll be using a scissor kick. Your top leg extends forward while your bottom leg reaches behind you, bending at the hip and knee. Then bring your legs back together for propulsion.

Remember to bend and extend your arms together.


BACKSTROKE

This technique can often feel uncomfortable for beginners, so it’s important to practice and improve your stroke! Obviously, this stroke is performed while laying on your back. Many people liken it to the breaststroke, given that they have similar movements.

For the backstroke, your face will remain out of the water, even as your body rolls from side to side with your arms’ movements. While this position is great for breathing, it’s less ideal for sight. Thankfully, with SuperSwim tether systems, you won’t need to worry about crashing into the wall because you’ll be able to practice this stroke while stationary swimming! 

Alternate your arms so that while one extends above the water from your hip straight over your head, the other pulls from an extended position backward toward your hip. The arm underwater should be making a semi-circle shape. 

Consistently move your legs in a flutter kick to maintain momentum. 

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