Freestyle stroke linear or curved path?

Former Member
Former Member
In looking at the animation on www.swimsmooth.com I see that the hand follows a straight path front to back. This is probably better seen when looking up at the swimmer from under water. If you put a ruler to the path it is pretty much a straight line. Now, I've seen and I've read posts that talk about a non-linear path. I guess the idea is to always try to accelerate new water rather than applying force to water that you've already accelerated. So...why do they show a straight path. And, if curved is better, what is the best path?
Parents
  • Shouldn't the goal be pressure instead of accelerating water? Don't know if it's totally correct, but I try to to keep the arm anchored, fixed with the water in order to accelerate everything else other than the pulling arm. The kick just assists. After all, the arms are just propellars, with the leading edge being the finger tips and the high elbow increasing pressure. Am I accurate? Mostly correct,paddles would be a more accurate term than propeller as the operative force here seems to be drag not lift.Otherwise ,yes,you anchor your forearm/hand and pull yourself past it.
Reply
  • Shouldn't the goal be pressure instead of accelerating water? Don't know if it's totally correct, but I try to to keep the arm anchored, fixed with the water in order to accelerate everything else other than the pulling arm. The kick just assists. After all, the arms are just propellars, with the leading edge being the finger tips and the high elbow increasing pressure. Am I accurate? Mostly correct,paddles would be a more accurate term than propeller as the operative force here seems to be drag not lift.Otherwise ,yes,you anchor your forearm/hand and pull yourself past it.
Children
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