Fast Backstroke & Freestyle Technique Swim Camp

YMCA of Rock River Valley
200 Y Blvd, Rockford, IL 61107

Countdown
  • 129days
  • 07hours
  • 27minutes
  • 31seconds

Introduction

Fitter & Faster is producing a 2-day swim camp at the YMCA of Rock River Valley in Rockford, Illinois on April 26 & 27, 2025!

FAST BACKSTROKE & FREESTYLE TECHNIQUE SWIM CAMP
DAY 1 (Saturday, April  26): Backstroke Technique 
DAY 2 (Sunday, April 27): Freestyle Technique

Scroll down for details on the curriculum!
-> Availability in each session is limited to 24 participants to ensure the highest level learning experience.
-> SAVE when you purchase the “Entire Camp Bundle” for your swimmer's age group. 

SESSION START TIMES FOR BOTH DAYS:
Ages 9 to 11: Check in 8:45 AM, Camp 9-11:30 AM
Ages 12 & over: Check in 12:15 PM, Camp 12:30-3:30 PM

Suggested Participants

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 and 12 & older. Participants will range from one-year of competitive swimming experience to AAAA times and faster. If you are the parent of a child under the age of 9 and would like for your child to be considered for the younger sessions of this camp, please complete this questionnaire.

Curriculum

FREESTYLE & BACKSTROKE TECHNIQUE SWIM CAMP - April 26 & 27, 2025

Freestyle and backstroke utilize the same body position, posture, rotation, and an early “catch” to move down the pool with efficiency and speed. They are called the “long axis” strokes because swimmers rotate their hips and torso around their spine. Over two days, your swimmer, no matter their level, will improve their freestyle and backstroke technique, racing and training skills!

  • DAY 1 (Saturday, April 26): BACKSTROKE DAY
  • DAY 2 (Sunday, April 27): FREESTYLE DAY
  • Bodyline: On each day of this camp, participants will learn and practice proper posture and engagement of their core for better technique in freestyle and backstroke. Participants will learn how even the slightest adjustment of the chin, neck, and/or back can make a huge difference in creating more hydrodynamic and efficient strokes - for faster swimming!
  • Rotation: Freestyle and backstroke are fastest and most efficient when a swimmer’s body is “rotating” around their spine with each stroke. This part of swimming both strokes has a big effect on maintaining a proper bodyline. Participants will practice activating their core muscles to form a powerful connection from head to toe with every stroke they take! On Day 1 we will work on rotation skills for backstroke and on Day 2 we will work on rotation skills for Freestyle.
  • Kicking: While similar, the kick is different in freestyle and backstroke. In both strokes the kick is the motor behind their races! There are obviously proper and improper ways to kick which we will review on each day of this camp. Just as important, however, is practicing the complexities of how and when swimmers need to “shift gears” in their legs to become stronger and faster racers.
  • Pull: The pull in both freestyle and backstroke keeps a swimmer balanced and accelerating forward. Essentially the best swimmers are creating a paddle with every stroke. On each day of this camp, your clinicians will work with participants to establish an early vertical forearm “the catch”, enabling your swimmer to put immediate pressure back on the water. Properly completing the freestyle and backstroke arm-pull keeps the swimmer moving forward efficiently and fast.

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!

Inquisitive, Educated Swimmers are Faster Swimmers! Sign up today!

Countdown
  • 129days
  • 07hours
  • 27minutes
  • 31seconds
Lead Clinician

Fitter and Faster clinicians are Olympians and National Team members who have achieved at the highest level of the sport of swimming... and who have the unique skill to teach what they know from a technical perspective to swimmers of all ages and abilities.