Just saw some footage of my freestyle swims and it looks like, immediately after entry, my hand pulls outward instead of directly down. I can't feel myself doing this while I am swimming, though - to me, feels like I am pulling down. Can anyone recommend drills or things to keep in mind to prevent an "outward" pull instead of a downward pull with high elbow?
Never pull hand down. Only push back. Per Maglischo, from the downsweep - catch any downward force creates drag from lifting front up, wastes energy by not providing forward momentum, and burdens the shoulder joint. You can apply force early (as with early catch and high elbow) if your shoulders can handle it, but only while the forearm and hand are facing back.
Let the fingertips free-fall gradually pointing down until the lower arm is facing back in the catch position, then pull:).
I have found agility paddles useful with this and it might help your downsweep issue.
Is this problem on your breathing side?
Never pull hand down. Only push back. Per Maglischo, from the downsweep - catch any downward force creates drag from lifting front up, wastes energy by not providing forward momentum, and burdens the shoulder joint. You can apply force early (as with early catch and high elbow) if your shoulders can handle it, but only while the forearm and hand are facing back.
Let the fingertips free-fall gradually pointing down until the lower arm is facing back in the catch position, then pull:).
I have found agility paddles useful with this and it might help your downsweep issue.
Is this problem on your breathing side?
