Backstroke Swimming Turn?

Question

When I kick off a backstroke turn, am i allowed to kick on my side before starting my stroke? I see Natalie Coughlin doing this so is it allowed?

Answer 1

But of course.  It's perfectly legal.

Answer 2

Don't fool yourself about stroke judges being strict at the Olympic level. It's been my experience that officials are LESS LIKELY to call a stroke infraction at the national or international level. Imitating what a high-profile swimmer can get away with on TV can get you disqualified in your next race. "But I saw it on TV!" will get you no sympathy.

That said, all you have to do is make sure that you do not cross 90 degrees. (In other words, if you are on your side, you can never be more on your stomach than you are on your back)

Hope that helps.

Answer 3

Definitely not too much on the side though! Just slightly- you don't want to get disqualified. Kicking on your side is very effective for free as well, because instead of the waves going down and back to your body, the waves expand outward away from you.

Answer 4

If she does it then it is allowed! The officials at the Olympics are very strict!

Answer 5

of course it's allowed. i swim too, and when i do the freestyle flip turn i always kick underwater on my side before surfacing. i also do the same for my butterfly, so i'm sure backstroke falls under the same idea. plus, the olympics are very strict, and if the great coughlin didn't get d.q.'d for it, there's no way you would.