Backstroke - Nose Plugs

Having a successful push off in backstroke means being able to stay underwater long enough to take advantage of your underwater dolphin.

Since this is about a tool, there won't be the typical why, how, and fine points. It's just that simple.

For many people, being on our back underwater means you have to release air so that water doesn't go up your nose. In the underwater dolphin, this may mean you'll run out of air prior to completing a great underwater dolpin push off.

Some swimmers are able to equalize the pressure in their heads, which means no air comes out, and no water goes in. These are the lucky ones.

Other swimmers have faces suited for a special technique that allows them to push their lips up to cover their nostrils, which prevents water from going in, and allows them to hang on to more oxygen during the push off.

If you're not lucky enough to be able to do either of those, the nose plugs can be the trick for you. Putting on a pair of nose plugs means you won't have to worry about water going up your nose, or air coming out of your lungs. This will allow you to have better push offs and turns in backstroke, which can mean better times.

Talk about fine points, if you don't think this is high level enough for you, check out the video of Missy Franklin breaking the World Record in the 200 backstroke a couple weeks ago. You'll notice at the :16 second mark as she's jumping in... nose plugs.

These also come in very handy for certain swimmers wearing snorkels.

For the video, and for much filming, we use the Finis Nose Clip.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• swim
• swimmer
• swimming
• goswim
• goswim.tv
• backstroke
• underwater dolphin
• Missy Franklin

[CoachPhilCas43]

Where/what brand do you recommend for nose plugs? I have a lot of kids who could really benefit from trying this out, but there seems to be mixed reviews. Awesome videos.

[goswim098]

@CoachPhilCas43 Like anything else, try various brands and see what works best. I like the little Finis plugs, but being plastic, they may not be tight enough if you have to dive in, like during an IM. Other than that, keep experimenting.

[littlegft94]

That's pretty interesting- I often use a nose clip when I train because the chlorine makes me sneeze. People used to think I had an eternal cold until I started wearing it. Are you actually allowed to wear the nose plug when competing in events and meets?

[goswim098]

@littlegft94 yes... legal to race with nose plugs. Tech suit, no.  Nose plugs, yes. ;)

[Elisheval]

hmmm, never knew that some ppl can plug their nostrils with their upper lips while swimming...

[poolrattie]

very interesting, I thought I was the only one with problems..coughing and sneezing and looking like a cocaine addict with dripping nose for 8 hours after swimming..develops that I have sinus problems...LOL... and I will get those nose plugs and see if that helps..it is miserable to be stuffed for hours after doing something you love! Thanks for the great videos!!!!!!

[HusseinK1988]

Thanks for this Vid

[SWIMSF]

Great video Glen! Keep em coming