Fast Backstroke & Freestyle Racing Technique Swim Camp With Bobby Finke, Hinsdale, IL
Don Watson Aquatic Center
5500 South Grant Street,
Hinsdale,
IL 60521
Introducción
Fitter & Faster is producing a 2-day swim camp at the Don Watson Aquatic Center in Hinsdale, Illinois on April 11 & 12, 2026, featuring a weekend of elite instruction. This camp has sessions for competitive swimmers ages 9 to 11, 12 to 13, and 14 & Over.
This unforgettable weekend begins on Saturday with Coleman Stewart, former world record holder and elite backstroke specialist. On Sunday, swimmers will work with Bobby Finke, 2024 Olympic gold medalist and current U.S. National Team member, leading freestyle racing technique, alongside Fitter & Faster Elite Clinician Atiba Wade. Swimmers will receive hands-on, in-water coaching and individualized feedback throughout the camp.
FAST FREESTYLE & BACKSTROKE TECHNIQUE SWIM CAMP
Day 1 (Saturday, April 11): Backstroke Technique Development with former world record holder Coleman Stewart
Day 2 (Sunday, April 12): Freestyle Technique Development with Olympic gold medalist Bobby Finke, alongside Fitter & Faster Elite Clinician Atiba Wade
🔽 Scroll down for details on the curriculum!
✔️ Each session has limited availability to provide a focused, high-quality learning environment.
💡 SAVE when you purchase the "Entire Camp Bundle" for your swimmer's age group.
🕘 SESSION START TIMES FOR BOTH DAYS:
Saturday, April 11 (Check-in 15 minutes before each session)
Ages 9–11: 10am–12:30pm
Ages 12–13: 1:45 pm–4:15pm
Ages 14 & Over: 4:45pm–7:15pm
Sunday, April 12 (Check-in 15 minutes before each session)
Ages 9–11: 8–10:30am
Ages 12–13: 11:45am–2:15pm
Ages 14 & Over: 2:45–5:15pm
Participantes sugeridos
Our top priority is to provide a world-class learning experience for all participants at all of our camps. This camp has sessions for swimmers ages 9 to 11, 12 to 13, and 14 & Over. Participants will range from one-year of competitive swimming experience to AAAA times and faster. If you are the parent of a swimmer under the age of 9 and would like your swimmer to be considered for the younger sessions of this camp, please complete this questionnaire.
Plan de estudios
Freestyle and backstroke are referred to as “long-axis” strokes because they rely on the rotation of the hips and shoulders around the spine to generate power. This camp builds on the natural connection between the two strokes–including bodyline, flutter kick, and a high elbow catch–to enhance technical development in both. Your swimmer will also explore what makes these strokes different, unlocking some key understanding to help them swim both strokes faster and more efficiently.
- Day 1 (Saturday, April 11): BACKSTROKE TECHNIQUE: While backstroke shares many concepts with freestyle, the actual skill can be much different. In this session, your swimmer will refine bodyline, rotation, kick, and pull specifically for backstroke.
- Bodyline: Backstroke bodyline should eliminate unnecessary movement. Even small amounts of bobbing or swaying create drag. Participants will learn to maintain a flat, aligned posture and engage the core to support a strong, stable position in the water.
- Rotation: Unlike freestyle, backstrokers rotate most fully onto their side when their hand is midway through the stroke. Rotation in backstroke is essential for two key reasons. First, to apply power during the pull, the swimmer’s hand must be positioned in front of the shoulder and at least a few inches below the surface of the water—something that’s only possible with proper body rotation. Second, rotation helps activate the large muscles of the back as the swimmer drives their hand through the surface and into the catch.
- Constant Motion: Unlike other strokes, backstroke has no built-in glide phase—the arms are always moving. Your swimmer will work on strategies to keep their stroke continuous and efficient, maximizing distance per stroke while maintaining tempo.
- Kicking: Effective backstroke kicking requires generating propulsion in both directions—both the forward and backwards motions. Your swimmer will learn to kick efficiently on their back, using ankle flexibility and consistent drive to support rotation and propulsion.
- Pull: Backstroke pull requires a high elbow catch, but also uses more of the full arm in the pull than any other stroke since the hand pulls much further outside the body line. We will work on feeling that full pull and engaging the large muscles of the back to generate power.
- Day 2 (Sunday, April 12): FREESTYLE TECHNIQUE: Whether your swimmer is just learning freestyle or already competing at the high school level, it’s never too late to build strong habits. In this session, your swimmer will work on bodyline, rotation, breathing, kick, and pull—five key elements that contribute to an efficient, powerful freestyle.
- Bodyline: A streamlined body position is the foundation of a fast freestyle. Even small adjustments to head, neck, or back alignment can make a significant difference. As swimmers grow and mature, they often develop habits that disrupt bodyline. Your swimmer will learn how to maintain proper posture and engage the core to stay long and hydrodynamic through every stroke.
- Breathing: Efficient breathing is a challenge but critical to maintaining bodyline. Lifting the head too high causes hips to drop and drag to increase. Clinicians will work with participants to keep the head low and horizontal during the breath, using controlled rotation of the neck and body for a smooth, quick inhale.
- Rotation: Freestyle is most powerful when the swimmer rotates around their spine with each stroke. Rotation allows swimmers to use their back and core muscles during the pull, making the stroke stronger and more sustainable. Your swimmer will learn how to glide on one side and initiate rotation as the pulling hand begins its movement.
- Kicking: The kick is the motor of freestyle. Swimmers must drive from the hips and knees with good timing and control. This session will help your swimmer understand how to adjust kick tempo and power to provide speed when they want or need it.
- Pull: Clinicians will teach participants to establish a “high elbow catch,” also known as early vertical forearm, to apply pressure to the water immediately. Swimmers will then work on pushing water directly back towards their feet with sustained leverage, engaging large muscle groups for a powerful finish to each stroke.
ASK QUESTIONS
Swimmers and parents are invited to ask the clinicians questions during a Q&A session. Gain insight into their training regimen, diet and nutrition, and recovery tactics.
WATCH THE CLINICIANS
Observe clinicians swim at full speed and demonstrate a progression of perfectly executed drills to achieve powerful, efficient and fast swimming.
PUT YOUR SKILLS TO THE TEST
Throughout the camp, swimmers will practice what they've learned with some of the world's most elite Swimmer Clinicians and coaches!
Take a photo, get autographs, and chat with your clinicians!
Bobby Finke
Olympic gold medalist Bobby Finke is one of the most inspiring distance swimmers in the world—and now your swimmer has the chance to learn from him in person! Known for his fearless racing strategy, technical precision, and calm, focused mindset, Bobby brings valuable insight into how to train with purpose, race with confidence, and build long-term success in the sport. This is an incredible opportunity for swimmers to be motivated and mentored by a champion who leads with humility, discipline, and a genuine passion for helping the next generation grow.
Atiba Wade
Atiba Wade brings over 40 years of experience in competitive swimming as both an elite athlete and accomplished coach. A former NCAA Qualifier for the University of Georgia and two-time U.S. Olympic Trials Qualifier, he combines technical expertise with a passion for teaching that empowers swimmers to perform at their best.
Coleman Stewart
Learn from World Record Holder and 2x NCAA Champion Coleman Stewart, one of the most accomplished swimmers in the world. With high energy and a gift for simplifying technique, Coleman makes swimming fun and easy to understand for all levels. A former U.S. National Team member and ISL Champion, he brings elite experience and a passion for helping young athletes grow.
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