The Para-Backhand Stroke
August 12th, 2009
 |  |  |  |  |  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Illinois Para-Backhand was developed primarily to reduce the injury rate that resulted from the stress placed on wrists, elbows, and tendons when using other techniques. At the same time, it was developed to increase contact adhesion and stability.
The technique is broken down into five phases. In each phase, the hand interfaces with the hand ring at a different location. For instructional purposes, the hand ring will be discussed as if it is a clock face. The right hand ring is viewed as a standard clock face, and the left hand ring is viewed as a clock face’s reflection. The hand is closed in a relaxed fist with the thumb pressed into the side of the index finger during each of the phases. The videos below demonstrate the stroke, and descriptions of each of the five stroke phases follow.
The Catch
Initial contact with the hand ring is made between the index and middle fingers. The wrist is flexed toward the thumb while the thumb presses against index finger to ensure stability. It’s critical that initial contact is made correctly because it dictates the effectiveness of the remainder of the stroke. The point on the hand ring contact is made varies according to speed. Generally, contact will be made between 1:00 and 1:30 at speeds less than 12 mph; contact will occur progressively later on the hand ring as speed increases.
The Drive
The motion of the drive phase is defined by a powerful squeezing in on the hand rings by the arms while the hands drive around and accelerate the hand ring. The hand drives into ring from initial contact with the wrist still flexed toward the thumb until around 3:00. Arriving at 3:00, the flex of the wrist shifts powerfully and quickly toward the pinky finger, causing the hand to act like a whip and deliver tremendous power and acceleration. The contact with the hand moves from between the middle and index fingers down to their cuticles and the thumb’s base. The hand continues to drive until 5:00 or 7:00.
The Release
The wrist should be completely flexed toward the pinky finger during the release. The hand maintains its line of movement as it comes off hand ring and does not snap away. The release occurs around 5:00 to 7:00.
Lift and Stretch
The elbows are forcefully lifted up and back until they reach an optimal stretch. At this point, a stretch reflex will occur in the chest and rear shoulder muscles, causing the stretched muscles to powerfully contract.
Acceleration
The stretch reflex initiates a powerful descent by the arms toward the hand ring, almost like a coiled spring that is let loose. The wrists position themselves once again for initial contact by flexing toward the thumb
For class T-51 quadriplegic racers, the recommended stroke technique is the Quadriplegic Backhand. The hand is positioned at the beginning of the stroke so that the back of the hand is facing the hand ring. Contact is made with the back of the hand between the knuckles and the wrist. As the arms are extended and downward motion is initiated on the front of the hand ring, the hands and forearms turn upward. At the same time, the hand ring is wedged between the last two fingers and force is applied with wrist and elbow extension. This contact and force application continues until the elbows are fully extended, after which the hands are pulled upward with the biceps while remaining in contact with the hand ring.
Leave a Reply
'08 SERIES STANDINGS
| Name | Nation | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Chantal Peticlerc | CAN | 7,876.4 |
| Diane Roy | CAN | 7,812.5 |
| Edith Hunkeler | SUI | 7,792.9 |
| Sandra Graf | SUI | 7,783.9 |
| Shelly Woods | CAN | 7,741.2 |