How many of you can say that you do backstroke regularly? Honestly? I’m willing to bet it’s not too many of you. Fears of swimming into the wall or other pool users tend to prevent practice of this most graceful and relaxing stroke.  Actually swimming Shaw Method backstroke can minimise the chance of collision, but more of that later. First a little backstroke history ... Origins of the stroke It is thought that backstroke has been swum since ancient times. In the early 20th century it was the...

Since the early 1990s Steven Shaw and his fellow Shaw Method teachers have taught literally thousands of swimmers (and non-swimmers) to revolutionise their swimming strokes, and improve their relationship with the water.  But if you’ve never had a lesson you may be forgiven for wondering just what the difference is between Shaw Method swimming and the strokes you were taught as a child. I’ve always loved swimming.  It was pretty much the only thing to do in the town where I grew up. As an adult ...

Hands up if you do backstroke. Mmm, that’s not many of you. The stroke is greatly overlooked because of problems of navigation, and the fact that it is often frowned upon when swimming in lanes. But with good Shaw Method direction you can learn to love this relaxing and rhythmic stroke …General observations:As with Shaw Method front crawl, the backstroke, also known as back crawl, relies on the power of the rotation.  The body should not remain flat in the water throughout, but rather rotate smo...