How to master Backstroke Swimming | Tips & Drills from an NCAA Champion

[@5izzler39]

As a backstroker, (and kind of a swim nerd), I love seeing the tips that pros give to help improve their specialty stroke to try and guide others towards a successful journey. Also love the day in the life videos, the energy and brotherhood you and the team show is incredible

[@KyleMillis]

Thanks for the support. #TeamBackstroke

[@上田邦雄-e8l]

2:49 日本語で

[@jbebeau]

Kyle really shines in this video! It is evident that he has a passion for swimming and is eager to share is expertise with others so that they can excel. This video is also the perfect blend of Kyle explaining things while illustrating it with videos he also performed.

[@davideller9099]

Thanks Kyle for the great presentation. At the tender age of 81, I am grateful for your backstroke tips. You are an inspiration. Best wishes for your continued success.

[@KyleMillis]

I appreciate it! Thanks for the continued support!

[@REIGNChristianFellowship]

Amazing video. I’m just swimming again in masters swimming after 40 years. When I returned my backstroke was terrible. This video helped me learn so much and the 10/2 o’clock entry was an element help for me. I tried 9/3 o’clock and it was mind blowing, but nailing down 9/2 with a good roll. I’m enjoying backstroke so much more now. Also the kick and hip movements was so helpful. Now at 62 years old I can be more effective in my IM. Thank you brother for your video!!! ❤❤❤

[@songckim]

Finally, a technical discussion of your bread and butter stroke. You have interviewed some of the world's most elite swimmers but I am glad you have shared your insights and know how's with us, and I am definitely going to implement them. Much thanks.

[@KyleMillis]

Glad you enjoyed it! I was saving this one for last! Hope you got some value

[@elvyrana1664]

I like this video. In fact I 'm 76 n have just learnt the back stroke. I love it n want to master it. Thank you

[@juanc.fortunofas9224]

Outstanding breakdown of the stroke. My son (who’s a good backstroker himself) loved it. Well done.

[@adamswedlund]

Thank you for sharing everything in the D1 Swimming space! I am so glad that you share with us the ins and outs!!

[@mivality2846]

I an quite bad at backstroke so these tips will help greatly. Thanks

[@KyleMillis]

Congrats, you won the giveaway!! 🎉Reach out to me on Instagram and I will make sure I get that swim cap to you :)

[@orangen14]

Great video! I really enjoy all your content. Congratulations on graduating last year. You've made me and my son huge Cal fans!

[@KyleMillis]

That is awesome! I appreciate your support 😉

[@huygensdo8898]

My 11 yo watched this video for the 1st time with me last night and he said he wants to be a backstroker and wants to go to Cal! Thank you.

[@KyleMillis]

That’s awesome, glad I could inspire the next generation of swimmers to dream big and reach their goals. That’s what it’s all about!!

[@harkafella]

I shared this video with my 9 year old son because he never listens to me (and you’re obviously a well qualified expert). Thanks for the tips.

[@owyn5686]

Thank u so much Kyle backstroke is one of my weakest stroke because I am a 200 butterflyer and this really helps me out. You also motivate me so much. Thank u so much😀

[@tomeksiwiec9980]

Great video Kyle! Im getting more into backstroke so this is perfect timing. The best tip I got was arm positioning - I was told to reach straight back, which I think causes me to crossover, so I'm excited to hear to try to place them in the 9-3 and 10-2 zone. Can't wait to try this out. Thanks for sharing all this!

[@KyleMillis]

Try it out, it will feel unnatural but it will actually look wayyyy better

[@richcote8109]

Extremely well done! Thoughtful, concise and focuses not just on the "what" to do but more importantly on the "how" and "why." Surprised Kyle did not include the "spin" drill, although that can be a bit tough on the shoulders... especially for age group swimmers. First rate!!

[@KyleMillis]

Spin Drill is still hard for me - didn’t want to do a bad demonstration 😉 Maybe in a future video. Thanks for the support 👍🏻

[@user_42874]

Thanks Kyle. This video helped me get under 2 minutes in the 2 back. I just moved from California to Virginia and I hope I can represent Cal here. Go Bears!

[@KyleMillis]

Best of luck, keep cheering for the bears!!

[@dianeeyink1029]

Fabulous, spot-on drills! I’m working hard to keep a shoulder injury at bay. The 2-2-2 drill is key for me, allowing time to really focus on form. Thanks. coach! Here’s to years of great backstroke!

[@M_NIEHAUS]

I love backstroke and swim it a lot thank you for making all of these vids

[@sereanaheritage571]

Hand entry - I help my daughter in her swim practice and you have finally said it. That its not 11 n 1 however inbetween 9-3 10-2. Will try this as she has a habit of doing crossover. Well explaned!

[@younglyon100]

Hello Kyle, I just wanted to say thanks for this video. I watched this with my daughter right before her meet this morning and she got a state cut because of the key details you demonstrated. We appreciate it. Much ❤

[@danielmeyer5067]

Thank you for all your content! It's so helpful as a beginner trying to learn all the strokes.

[@seasky8524]

For me backstroke is the most relaxing stroke. If you want to cooldown and rejuvinate learn to swim backstroke as a recreational activity. It helps my mental health a lot as it's therapeutic to my mind.

[@kailashsant4904]

I am a master swimmer (64 ur old) and I am sincerely following your video to improve my backstroke especially the finish. I liked your tip on the “finish “ since at times I used to miss the stroke count and eventually landed up stretching my arm , pushing myself to get a good touch , … Now that I understand the technique of count - arm reach with half last stroke, this will definitely help Many Thanks Dr Kailashnath sant

[@oogabooga9417]

This is so helpful, backstroke is my best stroke already, but adding some of these is definitely gonna help me in the long run.

[@Tr-ey8no]

Forget the swim cap, I was going to comment regardless! Great video! I do largely backstroke and am at the Y 3 days a week swimming after work. I love backstroke and this really helps!!

[@mamadukes021]

Lovin all these tips. I sure could have used them when I was a backstroker. Luckily I can teach them to all my kids. Thank you!

[@KyleMillis]

So glad you'll pass it on to the next generation of swimmers! Keep up the hard work.

[@orkar9994]

love the 4 kick tip. not a backstroker (in fact, it is my worst stroke), but really trying to get better at underwaters. implementing that later today

[@colinz2]

As backstroke is my worst stroke, and I swim the IMs. I may start to use these tips in practice & races

[@alisonireland5151]

Great tips to freshen up my bk coaching with my age group swimmers. My fav => hand entry position as it’s the most common mistake I see especially in young swimmers.

[@wooyij]

I’ve watched a lot of backstroke videos including the ones from the Race club. This one is up there in terms of unique insights of elite techniques

[@tristandawson6417]

8:58 A tip I learned from the University of Minnesota's head coach (Kelly Kremer) is to utilize the buoyancy of the air in your lungs as propulsion. The air in your lungs naturally wants to rise toward the surface of the water. When using what you call the "checkmark" technique, this buoyant force can be utilized as additional propulsion, making it faster and easier to stay underwater for longer.

[@katiewilliams5643]

Kyle I really enjoy your videos when ever you post them I love the information your such an inspiration to future college student athletes out there who wanna get better at there strokes before they enter the college sport of swimming you are amazing I love your information I love Ryan Murphy he’s one of my favorite backstroke swimmers I love the cal swimming program too your amazing I hope your next video will be on freestyle too thank you I wish you much continued success on KZbin. 😊

[@KyleMillis]

Thanks for the support, glad you enjoy them. Feel free to check out my informational videos with Bjorn for more Freestyle tips😁

[@jakefinch3231]

I have only swim backstroke 3 times in a meet, my first meet ever, freshman year I went 1:24. This year, my junior year and third season I have swam it twice going 1:01 and :57. Thanks for the tip sand I would love the cap.

[@andrewclark1243]

My son really wants to attend Cal using the awesome tips that you just provided!!

[@gamingburrito7529]

I’m not the best in the whole backstroke region in swimming. This was very helpful thanks.

[@SD-vj5ct]

this was so helpful! double arm back is one of the best backstroke drills fs

[@leodragon9137]

I’m a backstroker and this video really helped my teqnique

[@lucythegod_1]

Really needed this. Used to love backstroke and it was so easy for me because I have long arms but once I got older and I actually had to get good at it, I kind of lost the love I had for it . Thanks bro 🙏

[@KyleMillis]

You got this! Get back at it and have fun swimming 🤝

[@gillianmelton6377]

I agreed with all your information. Did not realise the kick changed in the 200m but makes perfect sense. Thanks.

[@anthonyburke7669]

Kyle: I liked all the tips, but especially the end touch. Thanks!

[@KyleMillis]

Let’s gooo!! Glad you enjoyed these 👏🏻

[@jakemelley222]

Great video, congrats on the new job! Your videos get me up for morning paractice!

[@KyleMillis]

Oh man they don’t even do that for me some days 😅

[@splatman3589]

Really interesting to hear about the 2 free strokes on the turn, never knew that was a thing

[@mr.brightside304]

Thanks Kyle, I have stalled at around a minute on my hundred back so anything that can help me break surpass that time is huge. Go bears!

[@KyleMillis]

Good stuff! Best of luck on that, cheering for you!!

[@colinmcgee2024]

Backstroke is definitely the weakest part of my IM so thank you for this

[@KyleMillis]

2023 will be the year of strong backstroke for you!! 🤝

[@colin2345]

Thanks for putting out this content! As an age group swimmer, it’s really helpful to see what people on the top level think/do.

[@itzks2580]

THANK YOU VERY MUCH Im also a backstroker.... and this helped so much thank you!!

[@patstefanou8919]

Video editing is a lot better! Good shit kid!

[@KyleMillis]

Thanks, I got a great team behind me 😉

[@ongguanlin5292]

would be lovely to have the Cal cap in the collection! Cal is my dream school too

[@ashleighjayde9]

Thanks so much for the tips in this video, Im from Australia and used to swim competitively so love learning new things!

[@kruz2450]

Definitely gonna be using these tips

[@KyleMillis]

Let’s go!! Best of luck!

[@nyeinlatt6499]

thank u. backstroke is challenging really

[@KyleMillis]

It is! Glad you got some good tips out of it

[@sahildalal9798]

My favorite tip was the hand entry location tip (10 and 2, 9 and 3). I also didn't know you could enter that wide. I am going to implement it using the double arm backstroke drill

[@KyleMillis]

See how it feels, a lot of swimmers don’t notice that they cross over and this is a great drill to help correct that.

[@sahildalal9798]

@@KyleMillis i tried the drill and it has made backstroke so much easier and smoother! It never felt like i was crossing over but this helped so much

[@dg5301]

This is such a huge thing, because it helps you get immediately into the catch and and to have much quicker turnover without getting stuck at the top of the stroke. Very few youtube tutorials emphasize it like Kyle does, and most don't even mention it. Cal is backstroke U for sure!

[@algotler]

Thank you for the information! Note that the submerging rule has changed at the last FINA update and you are allowed to be fully submerged at the finnish as long as part of your head is above water at some point in the last 5m (after the flags)

[@KyleMillis]

Glad you enjoyed it! Ya that rule changed since I put out the video 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@alwright4937]

Great tips! 4 kicks on every wall!!

[@superbeetlegamer1372]

Great backstroke tips!

[@KyleMillis]

Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@nategdoes9963]

Going for Louisiana state records in back this season. This vid helps a lot. Thank you!

[@KyleMillis]

Glad it helped!

[@oseunghyun]

Elite backstroke 101 - 엘리트 배영 기초편 01 Thanks Kyle! This helps me a lot!

[@youssefwael4828]

Thanks, Kyle for all the tips, my favorite one was the Backstroke start. I'm working as hard as possible to swim at a D1 college, especially Cal.

[@royrichardson2025]

Hand placement was a very helpful tip. Thanks

[@janellehamland7952]

Super helpful video. This is the first one I stumbled across in my feed but I’m definitely going to subscribe and check out the others!

[@cesarcastillo7214]

Hey Kyle, thanks for this video, right now I am in my freshman year in a DIII university and I am a backstroker too so thank you for this tips.

[@ruth0929]

I loved your video. You covered a wealth of helpful info! Now we can submerge after the flags up to the wall! Thank you so much for sharing your experience!!

[@qwelp6065]

thanks for the info!i will definitely but this to use in my practices!

[@KyleMillis]

Glad it was helpful!

[@-Ubuntu]

Nice tips. I'm a backstroke beginner, for me changing the speed in the middle of the lane in backstroke is much harder than freestyle, a few underwater dolphin kicks after pushing off the wall really add momentum and can last for the entire 25m. For arm position, I used to enter at 11 and 1, which I think will help the body rotation, will try 10 and 2 and give feedback.

[@KyleMillis]

Give it a try, see how it feels! Glad you got some good tips out of this. Lots more coming soon!

[@SUSHlPOWERS]

Thank you so much for sharing some tips on your backstroke, I can't wait to implement them into my practices!

[@dm1triy_bl]

Let's go Kyle🔥🔥 Unbelievable information for backstrokers and for people who want to level up your skills on backstroke🥇🥇🥇

[@kalebmontgomery3866]

Great video Kyle! Really helpful tips!

[@grovulin1504]

My back is slower than my breast so I really needed this, thanks Kyle!

[@dkblatt3745]

Cap collection gonna go hard

[@rlc856]

Hi Kyle: I’ve enjoyed your videos. You inspire me and I try to incorporate your tips into my daily swimming. Even at 66 - always improving.

[@ChickenCraver34]

Great video! I’m a double Cal legacy so I’d really enjoy swimming in one of your caps!!

[@jonathandose3842]

Love your videos man! I’ve learned so much from you brother! Keep it up

[@estefamilia5851]

love the neon sign

[@adoseofrandom1487]

love your vids kyle. as an australian it's really interesting seeing how D1 swimming works cause we don't have a system like that at all over here!

[@alon1290]

Great video as always

[@preston9868]

Love your vids and the golden bears!!!

[@KyleMillis]

Go bears 😁🐻🏊🏻‍♂️

[@drewa1999]

Another informative and easy-to-understand tutorial. Thank you! I'd nix the background music though!

[@mr.unboxing4566]

Realy nice video tank you for shearing some information whith us

[@KyleMillis]

Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@royota6797]

Kyle, backstroke is my least favorite and weakest stroke because water comes into my nose even I hold my breath during underwater. Some people told me to keep exhaling from my nose to prevent water from coming into. But if I do so, I run out of oxygen very quickly. I look forward to your advice. Thanks

[@jungleparkway]

backstroke has always been my "weak spot" in my IM so i will definitely be using some of these drills going forward. very well made video :)

[@_iankimm]

Thank you so much for these backstroke tips! I will try using them at practice!

[@RIFT-w3u]

do you have any tips for the extension at the end of each stroke thats always been my worst part of backstroke great video btw that tip on the turn helped a lot im terrible at turns thankyou

[@RIFT-w3u]

backstroke is the most under-loved all the other strokes have 100s of tech videos but backstroke gets almost nothing as a backstroker thank you

[@TRULY_YSK]

Thanks for sharing your story on your swim career and giving us tips and high quality videos.

[@Eliiiiiii-lp4jq]

This tips really helped me a lot. Thanks sharing information and tips of being D1 swimmer~

[@KyleMillis]

Glad it was helpful!

[@PennapaKriengsakpichit]

Thanks for good tip for improving my son's backstroke. Are there more drill to swimming backstroke faster?

[@KyleMillis]

Yes lots of new tutorial videos coming soon!

[@ruthrc9423]

This is so great! thank you!

[@JustinWang]

Hi Kyle thanks for sharing backstroke drills! I'll use them on my kids lol

[@KyleMillis]

Who you coaching these days?

[@JustinWang]

@@KyleMillis I am coaching some age group kids in my swim club!

[@eshomaker3543]

Good tips! I’ll definitely try out the 2,2,2 drill today!

[@nicholassivak1475]

Really appreciate what your doing, these videos have helped me a lot in the pool.

[@andrewkoika2321]

This helped out a lot thanks!!!

[@WesWes369]

Thanks for the tips. My underwater shave gotten a lot better, but I think four kicks will help a lot.

[@KyleMillis]

Most definitely!

[@saangtoaikaa9211]

Millsy! 🏊🏊‍♂🏅

[@joonxiang3779]

Thanks for the tips!

[@MiamiMagpie]

Great vid! Backstroke has always been my worst stroke hopefully this vid can help me get better 🙏

[@andrewsperry98]

This video was really helpful! I am trying to make states in the 100 back right now, so I will definitely use some of the tips from this video in my training.

[@DannyPimienta]

I need that cap!

[@DannyPimienta]

Between the fly and back…I’m conflicted which stroke to learn next. 😬

[@petleaf3386]

Thank you so much for these tips

[@gomercindablanco1294]

Big thanks for the detailed information.

[@sundaysaniyan703]

Really useful. Thank you

[@jimbobimbo1743]

Cap giveaway!!! Love the content!!!