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
Former Member
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?
Well, it's basic physics. The pressure you feel on your hand is the result of the force you apply against the water...which is then accelerated (a = f/m). You are in a fluid, so unless you can apply super-human force and speed water will be accelerated and water will be displaced by your hand/arm moving through it. Nothing is stationary during a stroke...it might feel that way, but all them little water molecules are going places at the same time you are.
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?
Well, it's basic physics. The pressure you feel on your hand is the result of the force you apply against the water...which is then accelerated (a = f/m). You are in a fluid, so unless you can apply super-human force and speed water will be accelerated and water will be displaced by your hand/arm moving through it. Nothing is stationary during a stroke...it might feel that way, but all them little water molecules are going places at the same time you are.
