Backstroke - Basics with Steve Haufler

**Additional Drills for Teaching Bent-Arm Pull
Wall Press**

Wall Press is an effective drill for teaching a bent-arm pull.  Have the swimmer stand on the bottom of the pool and place their hand on the wall.

Fingers should face to the side and the arm should be straight.

Have the swimmer slowly and carefully retract the hand from the wall while keeping the palm square to the wall.  As the arm extends back, keep it under water.

Next, press the hand toward the wall, keeping the palm facing the wall.

She naturally bends the elbow to accomplish this.

She can see it and feel it and can hear any corrections and advice.

She does this a few times and then swims with just one arm…

…then swims with the other arm.  

Now try full-stroke backstroke.


Sign In to watch video

Wall Press