When I began to work on my front crawl, I watched all the TI videos, and maybe I'm wrong, but the rotation seemed extreme, (complete rotation from side to side). In watching a recent GoSwim video (Narrow Shoulders), using that form, I find that I slightly rotate but not much in comparison to TI. Is there a right/wrong amount of rotation? Also, how does one correct this problem - I rotate easily to my breathing side, but barely rotate to the opposite side. Is there anything else I can do other than breathing on both sides?
Swimming will reward symmetry. If you don't rotate enough on your off side, start breathing there (also, not exclusively) until your rotation is even. After a couple of workouts concentrating on two sided breathing, you will notice small details being corrected automatically. Symmetry is your friend.
Swimming will reward symmetry. If you don't rotate enough on your off side, start breathing there (also, not exclusively) until your rotation is even. After a couple of workouts concentrating on two sided breathing, you will notice small details being corrected automatically. Symmetry is your friend.
Thanks Michael. I do occasionally breathe to the left, and notice that it feels different. I tend to avoid the unfamiliar, and I shouldn't do that.
I have just had a genie out of the bottle moment that may be useful for you. A new coach pointed out that I stretched out my arm underwater and "locked" it when swimming - imagine trying to point as far away as possible with your fingers. I also struggled with too much and too little rotation
He advised me not to lock my elbow and keep it slightly loose.
I find that my arm is more relaxed, the tip of my elbow now points to the side of the pool, and I am automatically rotating much more and without trying at all - it feels very natural as my body turns from side to side, and I have speeded up as a result
Hard to explain but worth a try - good luck
Renie, I believe that the swimmer in the video link you provided is rotating too much. That is only my opinion. You might want to watch this presentation by the National Team High Performance Consultant Russell Mark. It is about 60 minutes and talks all about freestyle. These talks are given free by USA Swimming to spread to their coaches the latest ideas.
www.usaswimming.org/ViewNewsArticle.aspx
fenella, thanks, that's interesting, because I definitely lock the elbow. Emphasis is really put on the full extension. How can you fully extend if you don't lock the elbow?
I just watched the video on freestyle extension - this swimmer is really rotating. I'd like some opinions. czx.r.mailjet.com/.../0llku.html
thanks ganache. I thought so too, especially, since it looks like his legs are fishtailling a bit. I'll watch the video, it always helps me to see a visual.
