Can your Manta Ray describe Backstroke basics to you?

Please note the backstroke turn only applies to swimmers who are swimming 50yds; 100 yds. See below. Please review with your swimmer. :) 

Backstroke start

• Start in the water; face the timers; both hands on the wall; feet up in a tucked position
• when the starter says “take your mark” PULL yourself up
• when you hear the start signal; push with your legs; arch your back slightly and throw your arms and head back; almost as if you are doing a back dive; to get under the water- in streamline.
• If and only if you are underwater you are allowed 2 under water butterfly kicks (LEGS TOGETHER) mermaid like; then you switch to backstroke kick until you break the surface.

If for some reason; when they push off they are not underwater, the swimmer must begin swimming backstroke and forego the underwater kicks as described above to avoid being DQ’d.

Backstroke swim-

• Head position is looking straight up to the ceiling.

• Arms- reverse motion; pinkie finger in first; or palm facing out; rotate torso with the arm that is in the water; BEND your elbow to your body; Under water ‘CATCH’ the water and throw it towards your knee underwater or ‘Snow Angel” to your leg underwater.

• Backstroke kick only; knees should not be coming out of the water too much; not riding a bike.

AT THE FLAGS- Count your arm strokes; each Manta Rays swimmer should know their backstroke count. It is meant to tell the swimmer how close they are to the wall. For both the finish and the Turn.

Backstroke Flip Turn

• Whatever their stroke count is they should minus 1.
• About an arm’s length from the wall you’ll turn onto your stomach glide until you, do 1 freestyle pull and flip!
• Tuck your chin and bend your knees; do not cross ankles
• Keep your arms close to your body
• Your feet will touch the top of the T in backstroke position
• You will bring your arms to streamline; push off on your back underwater; do 2 dolphin kicks underwater only; then backstroke kicks until you break the surface.

If for some reason; when they push off they are not underwater, as described above they must start backstroke to avoid being DQ’d.

Backstroke FINISH

• Swim into the wall on your back
• YOU MUST STAY ON YOUR UNTIL YOU TOUCH. ONE hand touch to finish

GO MANTA RAYS!