Hi everyone
I'm trying to reduce my front crawl armstroke rate. Currently I can get through 25M in 25 strokes (at best), my technique feels ok (high elbow recovery and a decent push phase), yet I notice other folks in the pool travelling the same distance in 15-20 strokes looking really relaxed. I'm working on improving my body roll, which I guess is the key, but any help or tips (maybe from someone who's had the same problem and has made a significant improvement) would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers
Andy
Parents
Former Member
Literally making yourself "reach" for the other end of the pool will help with this. It may feel funny at first but learning how to make the most efficient use of your arm length is key.
When I'm giving kids swimming lessons I use this analogy: pretend there is an invisible line coming out of the tip of your nose. Just reach as far forward as you can and pull back down your body.
It's a mental thing. If you practice it enough it will become second-nature and you'll end up doing it without even thinking about it. I can make it to the other end of a 25M pool in 14-15 strokes but I also have longer arms than the normal person, making it easier.
Also, have you ever tried breathing every 3 or 5 strokes? Have you tried getting your elbows out of the water? I used to do a drill in which you drag your fingertips along the top of the water. This was to demonstrate you simply stretching out as much as possible before taking a stoke back (talking about Freestyle of course).
Simply developing a "bodily" pace will help lower your stroke count per length.
Literally making yourself "reach" for the other end of the pool will help with this. It may feel funny at first but learning how to make the most efficient use of your arm length is key.
When I'm giving kids swimming lessons I use this analogy: pretend there is an invisible line coming out of the tip of your nose. Just reach as far forward as you can and pull back down your body.
It's a mental thing. If you practice it enough it will become second-nature and you'll end up doing it without even thinking about it. I can make it to the other end of a 25M pool in 14-15 strokes but I also have longer arms than the normal person, making it easier.
Also, have you ever tried breathing every 3 or 5 strokes? Have you tried getting your elbows out of the water? I used to do a drill in which you drag your fingertips along the top of the water. This was to demonstrate you simply stretching out as much as possible before taking a stoke back (talking about Freestyle of course).
Simply developing a "bodily" pace will help lower your stroke count per length.
