whenever I push off from the wall on my back in streamline, I practically drown myself. What can I do?

Question

You know, the drill for back stroke or back fly kick requires you to push off from the wall in streamline position...
I ALWAYS inhale water up my nose, I guess I'm off balance...
Help?

Answer 1

A few things to think about:

1. head position - is your chin tucked? You shoudl be able to fit a large orange under your chin when you do backstroke. This head position keeps your hips up and your shoulders square.

2. breathing - like the first poster said, blow out your nose if you have to or just hold your breath altogether. Remember not to inhale until you surface!

3. mouth - is your mouth open? Some swimmers find that if you swim with your mouth open you rarely if ever get water in your nose. I don't know why this works but it seems to for some!

4. arm position - are your arms straight and tight? If you are too loose or your elbows are out you're going to cause more water to flow over your face than if they are tight and cutting. Your biceps shoudl be tight against your ears and your head shoudler be cradled between them. Your hands should be flat and tight together with bottom thumbhooked to the side of the top hand.


Not sure if any of this will help. Just keep practicing!!!

Godo luck ( =

Answer 2

When you're on the wall about to push off, take in a deep breath....as you are stream line blow out your air through your nose.
Breathing correctly is so, so important in swimming. Always exhale while you are swimming, that way you're not trying to exhale and inhale while you are supposed to be just taking a breath.
I hope this helps. It's hard to explain on dry land :)

Answer 3

Make sure you blow the air through your nose and not your mouth or you will get a lung full of water. Look up and blow hard out your nose like your blowing your nose.