Backstroke Swimming Tips

Spending more and more of your pool time staring at the ceiling? Use these tips and drills to improve your backstroke speed, technique, kicking and efficiency.

Natalie Coughlin's 3 Secrets to a Perfect Backstroke

Natalie Coughlin's 3 Secrets to a Perfect Backstroke

A two-time Olympic gold medalist in the 100m back, Natalie Coughlin gives you three tips on improving your backstroke technique.

Perfect Your Underwater Backstroke Breakout

Perfect Your Underwater Backstroke Breakout

A fast, efficient breakout is a crucial part of every backstroke race. Former Olympian Lenny Krayzelburg, who owned five backstroke world records, offers some tips.

AP Photo/Chris Carlson

Natalie Coughlin's 3 Tips for a Stronger Underwater Kick

Natalie Coughlin's 3 Tips for a Stronger Underwater Kick

Are you slowing down when you push off the pool wall? Olympian Natalie Coughlin helps you improve your underwater kick in this video.

Side-Aligned Balance Drill

Side-Aligned Balance Drill

One of my favorite "Long-Axis" Drills is what we refer to as the side-aligned balance drill. Basically, you begin at the "T", in a streamlined balanced position, not moving or touching the wall.

Kicking Drills for Better Body Position

Kicking Drills for Better Body Position

These four kicking drills will help improve your body position and rotation, thereby making your overall stroke more efficient.

Developing the Catch & Roll in Free and Back

Developing the Catch & Roll in Free and Back

Here are two drills each for freestyle and backstroke to improve the catch and roll in your stroke.

Use IM Swim Training to Boost Fitness and Technique

Use IM Swim Training to Boost Fitness and Technique

For a non-IM'er, the individual medley is a daunting, scary event, but swimmers (and triathletes) who favor only one stroke are missing out on a beneficial cross-training opportunity.

A Drill for Each Stroke

A Drill for Each Stroke

Here is a great drill for each stroke--backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and freestyle--direct from the University of Georgia swim team.

Adding Speed and Efficiency to Technique

Adding Speed and Efficiency to Technique

Becoming technically sound is the first step toward improving as a swimmer. But when you want to add speed, is it best to just swim harder?

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