Backstroke: meaning, definitions and examples
🏊♂️
backstroke
[ ˈbækˌstroʊk ]
swimming style
Backstroke is a style of swimming on one's back. It is one of the four competitive swimming strokes recognized in Olympic swimming. Swimmers use an alternating arm stroke and a flutter kick while lying on their backs in the water. This stroke requires a unique technique, as the swimmer must navigate without being able to see forward. Backstroke is often praised for its ability to provide a good workout while being relatively gentle on the body.
Synonyms
back crawl, back swim.
Examples of usage
- She won the gold medal in the backstroke event.
- Backstroke requires both strong arms and legs.
- He prefers backstroke because it allows him to breathe comfortably.
Translations
Translations of the word "backstroke" in other languages:
🇵🇹 nado de costas
🇮🇳 पीठ के बल तैरना
🇩🇪 Rückenschwimmen
🇮🇩 gaya punggung
🇺🇦 плавання на спині
🇵🇱 styl grzbietowy
🇯🇵 背泳ぎ
🇫🇷 dos crawlé
🇪🇸 estilo espalda
🇹🇷 sırtüstü yüzme
🇰🇷 배영
🇸🇦 سباحة على الظهر
🇨🇿 plavání na zádech
🇸🇰 plávanie na chrbte
🇨🇳 仰泳
🇸🇮 plavanje na hrbtu
🇮🇸 baksvim
🇰🇿 артқы жүзу
🇬🇪 უკანა ცურვა
🇦🇿 arxa üzmə
🇲🇽 estilo de espalda
Etymology
The term 'backstroke' combines the word 'back' with the word 'stroke,' indicating the position of the swimmer (on their back) and the manner of movement through the water (a stroke). The backstroke as a swimming style dates back several centuries, with variations seen in different cultures. It became officially recognized as a competitive stroke in the late 19th century, evolving alongside other styles like freestyle and breaststroke. The inclusion of backstroke in competitive swimming events introduced standardized techniques and rules that have shaped how the swim is practiced today. The rise in popularity of swimming as a sport in the 20th century led to the formalization of backstroke competitions, including its presence in the Olympics. Over the years, the stroke has been refined, with techniques aiming for speed and efficiency continuing to evolve within the sport.