The backstroke armstroke can be divided into eight phases: the entry and stretch, the first downsweep, the catch, the first upsweep, the second downsweep, the second upsweep, the release and exit, and the recovery. Some people divide the armstroke stroke in less phases, but you'll notice (when these series is done) that it's the same description. During these phases swimmers can make mistakes that will cost them time and energy. Today, we're going to talk about the entry mistakes in backstroke and what to avoid.
The back to breast transition is the turn where the most time is won or lost of any other turn. The two most common ways of performing this IM transition turn are the traditional open turn and the crossover flip turn. Generally, the crossover is quicker off the wall, but the push off is not as powerful, so the two turns even out in the end. Furthermore, unless the crossover is done precisely, the likelihood of a disqualification is fairly high. The crossover is much harder to teach and perform and should be taught to seniors swimmers.
After a £4,000,000 funding cut, British Swimming has again had to further reduce its Intensive Training Center program. After cutting the Stockport ITC altogether in the spring, and reducing funding to the other ITC’s, the BBC is reporting that Swansea and Stirling ITC’s are on the block next.
