Backstroke is sometimes called back crawl, this is because it is a similar arm and leg action to front crawl. The difference is, backstroke is swum on the back and is the only swimming stroke where the face does not enter the water.

If you look at the cartoon, you will see the legs move very quickly up and down in the water. When practising back stroke legs try not to kick from the knee but from the top of your legs. You will be able to tell if you are kicking from your knees as they will keep popping out of the water. Keep your legs under the water with small splashes coming from your feet.

When swimming backstroke arms think of a windmill, where the sails are always moving, you need to keep your arms moving in the same way. So when one hand is entering the water, the other is leaving the water. Aim to put your hand in the water with the arm stretched out behind you, little finger first.