Swimmers must execute two key skills for fast backstroke breakouts....
Andrew Sheaff@AndrewKSheaff
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Dec 26, 2025
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Swimmers must execute two key skills for fast backstroke breakouts.
First, they need to keep everything moving forward down the pool.
If there is too much elevation, they’re going to lose their position in the water and create a ton of drag, slowing them down instantly.
First, they need to keep everything moving forward down the pool.
If there is too much elevation, they’re going to lose their position in the water and create a ton of drag, slowing them down instantly.
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Second, they need to make sure they maintain propulsion through the breakout and onto the surface.
They’re transitioning from underwater kicking to surface swimming, and the arms and legs need to maintain propulsion during that transition.
Check out these swimmers.
They’re transitioning from underwater kicking to surface swimming, and the arms and legs need to maintain propulsion during that transition.
Check out these swimmers.
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Are they keeping everything moving forward or do they move vertically when they breakout?
How about their body position? Does it change as they move through the surface?
Is there any hesitation with their kicking, or are the legs always moving?
How about their body position? Does it change as they move through the surface?
Is there any hesitation with their kicking, or are the legs always moving?
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How about their arms? Do they get right into their stroke rhythm or is there a hesitation?
Great breakouts set the stage for effective surface swimming.
If backstrokers let off the gas or lose their position as they move through the surface, they’re going to be in trouble.
Great breakouts set the stage for effective surface swimming.
If backstrokers let off the gas or lose their position as they move through the surface, they’re going to be in trouble.
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To execute good breakouts, focus on keeping everything moving forward and maintaining propulsion throughout.
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Horizontal alignment in swimming. A visual 🧵.
1. By staying horizontal on the surface of the water, swimmers keep drag as low as possible.
Less drag more speed.
In freestyle, swimmers are trying to stay in the same position throughout, even while executing the breath.
Cont.
1. By staying horizontal on the surface of the water, swimmers keep drag as low as possible.
Less drag more speed.
In freestyle, swimmers are trying to stay in the same position throughout, even while executing the breath.
Cont.