I have a question about gliding in freestyle. My way of swimming is that after each stroke I stretch my leading arm, glide and then I go over to the next stroke if you know what I mean.
Now someone is telling me that it''s more efficient to immediately go over to the next stroke without the gliding phase while your arm is stretched.
What do you think is more efficient.
Lui, I have to agree with the person who gave you advice. While gliding feels good, it is often way overdone by Masters swimmers. Check out a book by Olympian Sheila Taormina Swim Speed Secrets. In it she talks about Stroke Rate and it's importance. I like a gliding style for the beginning of warm up and warm down, but increased stroke rate during the workout. Swim Smooth and Effortless Swimming both address Stroke Rate very well. Google them and you'll have some great information. By the way, Stroke Count is different than Stroke Rate.
Lui, I have to agree with the person who gave you advice. While gliding feels good, it is often way overdone by Masters swimmers. Check out a book by Olympian Sheila Taormina Swim Speed Secrets. In it she talks about Stroke Rate and it's importance. I like a gliding style for the beginning of warm up and warm down, but increased stroke rate during the workout. Swim Smooth and Effortless Swimming both address Stroke Rate very well. Google them and you'll have some great information. By the way, Stroke Count is different than Stroke Rate.
