Question

In backstroke, a student is experiencing frontal resistance due to the legs being in a low position in the water. What could the student do to decrease the resistance they are experiencing:

a) Lower the arms
b) Raise the head
c) Spread the legs wider
d) Kick more forcefully

Answer 1

To decrease frontal resistance in backstroke, the student should not lower the arms, raise the head, or spread the legs wider, but should instead focus on proper kicking technique and maintaining a streamlined body position.

Step-by-step explanation:

To decrease the frontal resistance in backstroke due to the legs being in a low position in the water, the student should focus on maintaining a horizontal body position as much as possible. None of the options presented, such as lowering the arms, raising the head, or spreading the legs wider, directly contribute to reducing drag caused by low-positioned legs. Instead, the student should aim to improve leg and core strength and focus on proper kicking technique. This involves keeping the legs close together and using a flutter kick with the motion coming from the hips and with legs relatively straight. The student should also ensure proper body alignment, keeping the body as flat and streamlined as possible to reduce drag.