The word "back stroke" refers to a swimming stroke performed lying on one's back. Its IPA phonetic transcription is bæk stroʊk, which follows the English language's conventions for spelling word sounds. The "a" in "back" is pronounced as /æ/, as in "cat," and the "ck" ending indicates a hard "k" sound. The "o" in "stroke" is pronounced as /oʊ/, as in "go," and the "e" at the end is silent. Overall, the spelling of "back stroke" accurately reflects its pronunciation.
The backstroke is a swimming technique performed on the back, where the body is face-up towards the pool ceiling or sky. In competitive swimming, it is one of the four major swimming strokes. The primary objective of the backstroke is to move through the water efficiently, utilizing an alternating arm and leg motion.
During the backstroke, the swimmer lays on their back, with the head aligned, facing upward, and the body generally parallel to the water's surface. The arms are extended alongside the body, while the legs are straight and together, providing a streamlined position. The stroke begins by extending one arm forward while simultaneously bringing the other arm from above the water back to the starting position alongside the body. This arm movement is coordinated with the kicking action of the legs, where they follow a flutter or whip-like motion. The swimmer continues to alternate these arm and leg movements for the duration of the stroke.
The backstroke is often seen as a lower drag alternative to the other swimming strokes because the body is facing upwards, allowing for reduced resistance against the water. It requires a developed sense of body positioning and the ability to maintain balance and streamline. Backstroke swimmers must possess good arm and leg coordination, as well as an understanding of proper breathing techniques to ensure optimal performance.
In leisure swimming, the backstroke is a popular choice due to its less demanding breathing mechanics and the ability to easily observe one's surroundings.
The recoil of the ventricle of the heart during systole, basculation.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "backstroke" is composed of two elements: "back" and "stroke".
The term "back" traces back to Middle English and Old English, derived from the Proto-Germanic word "bakam", which means "back" or "rear". It is related to the Old Saxon word "bak", the Old Norse word "bak", and the Old High German word "bah".
The word "stroke" comes from Middle English and Old English, originating from the Proto-Germanic root word "straukijan", meaning "to stroke" or "to beat". This root word is also the origin of the Old Frisian word "strekia", the Old Norse word "strjúka", and the Old High German word "strehhan".