The Origin of Swimming (Backstroke) [Detailed Explanation in Traditional Chinese]

2025-09-03

Swimming is a popular water sport with a variety of stroke styles, among which the backstroke is a unique and challenging one. Backstroke not only holds a prominent place in competitive swimming but is also widely used in daily fitness and recreational swimming. The origins and development of backstroke have undergone a long evolution, from its initial simple technique to today’s standardized competitive sport. Backstroke’s history has been filled with change and innovation.

The origin and historical background of the backstroke

1. Early form of backstroke

Backstroke can be traced back to the 19th century in Western countries. Unlike other swimming styles, backstroke requires the swimmer to lie on their back in the water, using their back as the primary means of movement. The origins of this technique are less clear than those of other swimming styles, but historical records indicate that backstroke was not initially considered a distinct style, but rather a component of various swimming techniques.

Early swimming techniques in the 19th century :
In the early 19th century, swimming techniques were mostly based on natural swimming , where swimmers swam while lying on their back or in a semi-recumbent position. These swimmers’ goals were usually to move quickly or maintain buoyancy, and the backstroke was a natural evolution of this.

2. The formation and development of backstroke

Backstroke emerged as an independent swimming technique, intersecting with the development of breaststroke and freestyle . In the mid-19th century, backstroke gradually gained recognition in Western swimming communities and became a common swimming technique in swimming competitions at the time.

Developments in the late 19th century :
By the late 19th century, some swimmers in Britain and the United States began to consider the backstroke a competitive technique and used it in many swimming competitions. Although swimming rules were not completely unified at the time, the backstroke technique had begun to gain attention.

Standardization and Modern Development of Backstroke

1. Unified rules for backstroke

Although the backstroke technique was already quite popular in the early days, it lacked the same unified competition rules as other swimming styles. It wasn’t until the early 20th century, with the establishment of the International Swimming Federation (FINA), that swimming competition rules began to be standardized, and the backstroke was gradually incorporated into official competition regulations.

Backstroke rules around 1920 :
By the 1920s, the backstroke had become a standard swimming method in international swimming competitions and was incorporated into official events. During this period, the backstroke technique and movements underwent further refinement and improvement, especially in arm movements and kicking techniques.

2. Backstroke official competition event

Backstroke in the Olympics : Backstroke made its debut as an official swimming event at the
1900 Paris Olympics and has since become one of the core events in Olympic swimming. Initially held in the 200-meter backstroke , it has since become a highly anticipated event in Olympic swimming.
The development of men’s and women’s backstroke :
Over time, backstroke not only became a fixture in men’s swimming competitions, but women also gradually began to participate in backstroke competitions. After the 1960 Rome Olympics , the women’s 200m backstroke event was introduced into the Olympics and became a competitive stage for the world’s top female swimmers.

The technology and development of backstroke

1. Basic techniques of backstroke swimming

The basic backstroke movement involves the swimmer lying on their back in the water and using alternating arm strokes and foot kicks to propel the body forward. This technique requires the swimmer to maintain a horizontal position, avoid excessive rising or sinking, and maintain a steady rhythm.

Arm Stroke :
In the backstroke, the swimmer’s arms alternately stroke the water, keeping their arms straight as they push the water backward. The arm stroke should be smooth and the body should be stable.
Kick technique :
The kick in backstroke is a freestyle kicking action , that is, the legs alternately kick up and down to generate propulsion.

2. Modern technical improvements of backstroke

Over time, backstroke techniques have continued to improve, significantly increasing the speed and technical level of athletes. In the 200m backstroke in particular , modern swimmers’ take-off technique, turning technique, and final sprint have all reached exceptionally high standards.

The tactical evolution of backstroke :
Modern backstroke swimmers not only focus on basic techniques, but also use clever tactics in the competition, such as explosive power at the start, gliding in the water when turning, and accelerating sprinting before the finish line. These techniques make backstroke competitions more competitive and more interesting to watch.

Summary: The origin and development of backstroke

The early backstroke can be traced back to the 19th century, when it was not a separate swimming technique but a natural position adopted by swimmers in the water. The backstroke first appeared in competitive competitions in the UK and the US and gradually gained recognition.
In the early 20th century , with the unification of international swimming competition rules, the backstroke began to be officially included in the competition events and made its debut at the 1900 Paris Olympics .
The backstroke is now an important event in competitive swimming and has separate events for men and women in the Olympic Games.