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B-Final- The finals for the 9th-16th place finishers in the prelims of a prelims/finals meet (optional). Also known as the Consolation Final.

Back Crawl- See Backstroke

Backstroke- Any swimming stroke/event swum primarily on the back. Also, the common name in the United States for the back crawl stroke, where the swimmer lays on their back, moving their arms in alternating circles perpendicular to the bottom of the pool, and using a flutter kick. (see video demonstration)

Backstroke Flags- See Flags

Bilateral Breathing- In freestyle (front crawl) swimming, the practice of breathing to both sides. Viewed as an important skill for training, but not necessarily for racing. Dan H's article on bilateral breathing. Kyle H's article on bilateral breathing

Bonus Event- At certain meets with time standards, when a swimmer qualifies in one event, they are allowed to swim a certain number of additional events for which they do not have a qualifying time standard. Different meets have different rules on bonus events.

Bonus Final- See C-final.

Breaststroke- A stroke swum on the stomach that involves a frog kick and double arm pull in a circular motion. Every length must be completed with a touch of 2 hands simultaneously. (see video demonstration)

Bucket Turn- A turn used in the Individual Medley to turn from backstroke to breaststroke. This turn has become more popular since the rules change that disallowed doing a regular backstroke flipturn on the I.M. The bucket turn was used on all backstroke races until 1991, when the flip-onto-your-stomach turn was first allowed. Written description of Bucket Turn technique Video Demonstration

Build- A practice technique where swimmers build their speed over a certain distance, starting at a slow pace and finishing at maximum speed. For example, “8x50’s, build by 25” means that a swimmer will start each 25 at a slow pace, and will hit the end of the 25 at full speed. Builds are used to practice full-speed turns without tiring out by sprinting full distances, and to help swimmers work on speed in the midst of the peak of a swim season, where there might be a lot of focus on endurance.

Butterfly- A stroke swum on the stomach that involves a double legged “dolphin kick” and the arms coming flat over the water from the hip to out front simultaneously, followed by an underwater pull. Every length must be completed with a touch of 2 hands simultaneously. (see video demonstration)