Backstroke: bent-arm recovery

Arm bends as it comes over the water instead of recovering straight.

Activities that help

• Backstroke Windmills – Swimmers kick on their back and add one arm at a time, lifting it straight up and over like a windmill.
• Double-Arm Backstroke – Both arms recover and pull together – a balanced way to feel straight arms and entry width before alternating.
• Single-Arm Backstroke – One arm works while the other rests by the side – isolates a straight recovery and an entry in line with the shoulder.
• Stop at the Top – Swimmers pause each arm straight up at the top of the recovery to check it is straight, thumb-first turning to little-finger-first.
• Thumbs Up, Pinkies In – A simple rhyme for backstroke hands: thumb leaves the water first, little finger enters first.