How is survival sidestroke performed

Sidestroke glide Fig. Sidestroke leg kick preparation Fig 2. Leg position ready for the sidestroke propulsive phase Fig 3. The upper arm provides propulsion to assist the kick, while the lower arm recovers Fig. Posted by Richard. Labels: Survival Swimming. No comments:. Newer Post Older Post Home. Survival Backstroke is effective in both rescue and survival situations.

It is a great stroke for maintaining energy levels as it can be done as slowly as necessary. Survival backstroke is also useful for towing, especially when two hands are required to hold a person in difficulty. The main disadvantage of the stroke is the swimmer has no view in the direction of travel. Survival Backstroke is no different and it is important to work through this in order e. The body position for Survival Backstroke is streamlined on the back with both ears in the water.

The hips are kept close to, but slightly below the water. The leg action is the inverted whip kick. The arm action, like the leg action is also symmetrical and simultaneous. The propulsive phases of both arms and legs commence at the same time. From the extended arm position at the side of the body in the glide, the arms bend at the wrist and elbow to allow the hands to move to shoulder level while remaining very close to the body run the thumbs along the side of the body.

It is important to keep the hands and arms close to the sides of the body to enhance streamlining. When the hands reach shoulder level, they extend beyond the shoulders, elbows bent, with hands facing away from the body and towards the feet.

From this position at the end of recovery the arms follow a curved pathway until hands and arms reach the glide position. The breathing action in Survival Backstroke is natural. Ideally, at this moment, your palms are facing each other with the palm of your trailing arm rotated downwards.

The palm rotates from an upward to a downward facing position. Your palm moves first backward and downwards, then backward and upwards, until your arm is fully extended again and resting on your side. This first article about the sidestroke has discussed the body position and the arm movements. Part 2 explains the leg movements and the coordination between arms and legs. Sidestroke Swimming Technique — Part 2. Initial position, above water.

Initial position, under water. Arm movements — starting position.