How should you position your arms when performing backstroke?

In backstroke, the correct technique involves alternate arm movements, where one arm is recovering while the other is in the water, propelling the swimmer forward. Bending the elbow as the arm exits the water aids in a more effective recovery phase, allowing the swimmer to streamline their stroke and maintain a smooth motion. This positioning helps to minimize drag and keeps the swimmer's body in a horizontal position, which is crucial for efficient propulsion.

Using alternate arm movements creates a rhythm and helps maintain balance in the water, enabling a more fluid stroke. The bending of the elbow during the recovery phase also allows for better aerodynamics, enabling the arm to re-enter the water in a position that optimizes the pull phase. Keeping arms straight and above the head, or having minimal movement, would disrupt this rhythm and balance essential for effective backstroke, making it less efficient.