[Yoda]

Basically the hands turn to the plane on the backstroke so if there was a book between your hands, you would show the thin side of that book to someone watching you from a side on or down the line view. They always should turn to a pure backwards direction on the backstroke.

Now as to the 'rate' of loading. I would discourage you from turning the hand too quickly from startup aka Tomasello due to the fact that by turning the hands straight away as he teaches - 'anatomically' your left hand is turning then rolling and then turning again during the backstroke due to how the shoulder turn effect as transports and changes the relationship of the power package to the plane line. Whilst it can be done, ideally you want to have it happen a little later into your turn so that it becomes a pure 'anatomical' turning motion. This is why alot of players who turn to the plane very quickly oftentimes get off and underplane.

Great post, Mathew.

I agree 100 percent.

The Swinger with his Standard Wrist Action (10-18-A) Swivels -- a true rotation (Hand Motion versus Arm Motion) -- during the Backstroke. This action is usually the bridge from Start-Up to Backstroke (and not earlier). This Backstroke Swivel mirrors the Finish Swivel, the bridge between the Follow-Through (Both Arms Straight position) and Finish.

Thanks!