I have posted this before I am sure. I noticed most of the Olympic swimmers did use the slightly opened finger concept. I have been teaching the open finger concept for over twenty years, the reason less tension in the forearm. The way to check this is to hold the fingers together and press the thumb against the index finger. You will feel the tension in the forearm. Then relax the hand without pressing the thumb against the index finger and allow the fingers to seperate the tension in the forearm disappears. Forearm tension is what causes shoulder problems
Former Member
Thanks for this great tip. My swim coach pointed this out to me this week and I immediately noticed a difference in my swimming. She said to imagine that I had webbing between my fingers to catch the water. I didn't realize that this would also help reduce shoulder problems as well. Good Stuff.
I sometimes experiment hand/finger position of peak pressure using an more unorthidox method. While driving at sufficient speed I place my palm out the window to see what spread catches the best. Air is a fluid nonetheless, feels just like water at 60mph.
I am a trained forum poster. Don't try this stunt at home
George,
Another important reason fingers should be slightly open is because it increases the area of the hand and a bigger paddle is always useful when you want to swim faster. Thanks George
