Aquatics Coaching Guide - Special Olympics

Special Olympics Aquatics Coaching Guide
Created: February 2004
Teaching Aquatics Skills - Stroke Development
Stroke Development Training Plan
Backstroke Finishes
Backstroke swimmers must learn to touch the wall for safety reasons when finishing a drill, a race or approaching a
turn. For this reason, backstroke flags are placed a regulation five meters from the end of the pool, and, where available,
are in place for all practices involving backstroke.
Teaching Points
1. Kicking Approach. With one arm by the side and one arm extended above the head, kick toward the wall with
the fingers pointing toward the bottom of the pool and with the palm facing towards the wall. As the hand
touches the wall, lean on it, allowing the elbow to bend. Do not push off.
2. Practice counting the number of strokes from the backstroke flags to the wall until it is possible to arrive at the
wall without looking.
3. Practice counting the number of strokes from the backstroke flags to the wall when swimming slowly and at a
fast pace.
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