Learning the backstroke pull can start with simple movements.  Just like the sculling we’ve already done, the backstroke scull can start to teach you the proper way to initiate the pull in backstroke.

This drill is done with your body rotated to one side, eyes looking up at the ceiling and one arm extended.

Take the lead arm, and you’re going to focus on sweeping the hand back and forth in a sculling motion.  When you watch our swimmers do this, pay particular attention to the focus of NOT moving the upper arm, but only sweeping the forearm and hand from the elbow down.

Be careful to not move the body too much, but to isolate only the arm from the elbow to the fingers.  Make sure you practice this to both sides, and feel free to use fins so you can stay relaxed and focus on the small movement of the hand and forearm.

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Backstroke scull