What is the purpose of the Cup drill in backstroke training?

• A. To strengthen the neck muscles
• B. To improve the breath control during backstroke
• C. To ensure correct head position by balancing a cup on the forehead
• D. To train leg kick depth

Answer: (C)

The main idea is to develop a stable, neutral head position in backstroke to create a cleaner, more efficient line through the water. The cup drill accomplishes this by balancing a cup of water on the swimmer’s forehead. If the head moves too much—tilting, lifting, or twisting—the cup tips or spills, so the swimmer must keep the head still and eyes looking straight up, rather than forward. This encourages a slight chin-tuck and proper alignment of the head with the body, which helps the shoulders, hips, and ankles roll together and reduces drag. With a steady head position, the backstroke body line stays longer and more streamlined, making the kick and arm cycles work more effectively.

It’s not primarily about strengthening neck muscles, controlling breathing, or adjusting how deep the leg kick is; those aspects aren’t the focus of this drill.