Swimming backstroke can feel like one of the most relaxing and enjoyable strokes in the pool, until you get close to the wall.

For many beginners, the final few meters create a moment of panic. You can't see where you're going, you're moving at speed, and that little voice in your head starts asking: "Am I going to hit the wall?"

The result? Many swimmers slow down too early, stop swimming properly, or even sit up and look behind them to check the distance. Not only does this interrupt your rhythm, but it also makes you lose confidence in your backstroke.

The good news is that you don't need to guess. There is a simple, reliable way to know exactly when the wall is coming by using the backstroke flags as your guide.

Those flags hanging above the pool are not just decoration. They are your personal countdown system.

The first step is to find your number.

During your warm-up, swim backstroke towards the wall and pay attention as you pass underneath the flags, which are usually positioned five meters from the end of the pool. Count how many normal strokes it takes you to reach the wall and touch it with your hand.

For many average-height adult swimmers, this will be around four or five strokes. But everyone's number is different, so take the time to discover yours.

Once you know your number, the finish becomes much easier. Let's say your number is four. The next time you pass under the flags, don't look back or change your stroke. Simply count in your head: one, two, three... and on the fourth stroke, extend your arm confidently knowing the wall will be right where you expect it to be.

If reaching backward for the wall feels uncomfortable, there's another option. After your third stroke, rotate your body onto your side, smoothly transition into a front-facing position, and finish with a normal freestyle-style approach to the wall.

The key is to replace uncertainty with a plan. Backstroke becomes much easier when you stop relying on guesswork and start trusting your own rhythm.

A little preparation removes a lot of fear. Find your number, practice it consistently, and you'll soon approach the wall with confidence instead of hesitation.