THE FASTEST METHOD OF SWIMMING ON THE BACK, though more difficult to master, is done with both hands under water, in the following manner Start the movement with both hands at the side. Bring them up along the body, palms facing to the bottom of the water, sink the elbows, that the hands may be kept at the same level until they have come up to and directly above both shoulders. This is the first position with the arms.
Immediately the hands have reached the shoulders, turn the palms upward, and stretch the hands as far in advance of the head as they can reach. This is the second position.
Now, turn the palms of the hands outward, for ming a propelling power, and with a strong circular movement, bring them to the position from whence they started, parallel to the body. This completes the third position.
Now, work with arms and legs together, as follows:— While the hands are performing the first part of the movement, the legs should be drawn up and a sharp kick delivered.
As the second motion of arms is being gone through, the legs should be again drawn up, and— when the hands are moving to the third position, the legs should be kicked wide apart and brought suddenly and vigorously together.
It will thus be seen, that at every complete stroke with the arms, the swimmer has the advan tage of two distinct and well-delivered kicks.
This mode of propulsion on the back is by far the fastest of any, it is also the most graceful, owing to the length of the reach with both hands, and as hands and arms are all the time under water, all splashing or disturbance on the surface is obviated.
As showing the speed which may, be attained by swimming on the back, it may be mentioned that Mr. Marquis Bibbero, who is acknowledged to be the most graceful swimmer on the back, accom plished in a London Bath, a few years ago, the feat of swimming one mile on his back in thirty-nine and a half minutes. To go this distance he required to traverse iosi lengths of the pond. Of course he had the advantage of the push-off at each end, at which he is extremely clever, still the feat shows to what perfection this branch of the art may be brought.