It's obvious when watching Bindy's hand entry, one hand is a bit different than the other.  What is also obvious, is that she gets a firm grab on the water to set up the catch.

The left hand enters the water a bit more flat, with the top of the fingers entering first.  The hand then extends, and rotates to an outward, press position.  If you watch Bindy's pace 50, you'll notice this is the exact same movement she uses when she's a full race pace.

The right hand enters in a more traditional pinky first position, then extends, and presses down into the catch.

There is extreme extension to the catch on both sides, and you can feel the connection through the shoulders, lats, and into her torso.

The rotation is enough that she doesn't have to hyperextend her shoulders to catch the water.

The head position is solid and still.

Sign In to watch video

Bindy Hocking - Backstroke Hand Entry and Catch