What is the concensus on the modern freestyle pull for sprints; is it straight back or slightly curved (S-shaped like the butterfly pull but with less curve)?
Additionally, links to diagrams/articles would also be greatly appreciated!
It's probably impossible for there not to be some side to side hand motion, because of the way the arm is constructed and, as Greg said, body rotation makes it appear to be an "S" motion from the swimmer's perspective. But, as my coaches teach it, it's basically a straight back pull (relative to the pool bottom), not the deliberate S-curve that was taught a few years ago.
It's probably impossible for there not to be some side to side hand motion, because of the way the arm is constructed and, as Greg said, body rotation makes it appear to be an "S" motion from the swimmer's perspective. But, as my coaches teach it, it's basically a straight back pull (relative to the pool bottom), not the deliberate S-curve that was taught a few years ago.
