hand sinking

RE: hand sinking

Former Member — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 13:33:21 GMT

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I started using more hip and it felt a lot better. Debugger, Is this what you meant by more flexibility? Habu987. The coach had already suggested using a kickboard to force my hands to the top, but it felt so forced. For the minute I am going to use more hip and try and get more flexibility. When using the hips is it supposed to feel like I'm pushing forward with that side of my hips?

RE: hand sinking

Debugger — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 06:59:01 GMT

Can't imagine pulling 5-6in deep so I consider that's hand entry. I agree that's quite deep (it might be even deeper than it seems to you observing from underwater). Try to stand in super streamline with your back next to the wall touching the wall with as great surface of your body as possible. If you feel awkward and tensioned in your shoulders, most likely the root of the problem is lack of flexibility - quite a common problem. Daily stretching might help to improve but be patient - result will not come immediately. I agree that video would be helpful to see other possible mistakes.

RE: hand sinking

habu987 — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 03:15:28 GMT

If flexibility is not the issue, per Debugger's comment, you could try doing catch-up drill with a kickboard. Holding the bottom of a kickboard on the surface with one hand stretched out in front of you, take a full freestyle pull with the other arm and grab the board with that hand at the end of the recovery; let go of the first board with your first hand and repeat the process. This will force you to keep your hands high on the entry and should give you an idea of how your hands normally enter the water in comparison.

RE: hand sinking

Former Member — Mon, 08 Sep 2014 16:42:21 GMT

One of these guys is a pro coach. I think his criticisms are more than justified, however, I don't have total confidence in his solutions.

RE: hand sinking

Rob Copeland — Mon, 08 Sep 2014 12:17:25 GMT

Just a couple of observations… Are these “onlookers” real coaches or just other swimmers parroting advice? Many casual swimmers carry their heads too high and overreach at the surface at the front of their stroke. So unless the advice is from a real coach, I’d be leery about changing your stroke based on casual observation. There is nothing wrong with being “a slow freestyle swimmer”; it all depends on your personal goals. If your primary goal is fitness, then speed shouldn’t matter. If you are looking to swim faster or maybe compete, then I suggest you find a coached Masters program, and work with the coach. Also, if you post a video of your swimming on the forum, a number of people will likely offer informed advice.

RE: hand sinking

orca1946 — Mon, 08 Sep 2014 04:24:47 GMT

If you are a pool swimmers then yes you should be looking down. 5-6 deep on the hand entry or when pulling?" pro" coach by who's standard. Have a masters or college or H S coach look at what you are doing.

RE: hand sinking

__steve__ — Mon, 08 Sep 2014 03:47:06 GMT

Without actually viewing your freestyle, it would be next to impossible for anyone to offer a second opinion as corrective suggestions. An option would be a video clip attachment at angles clear enough to see what's going on. Better yet, underwater views