I'm relatively new to swimming with no formal training except a couple semi-private lessons this year. My stroke has come a long way, as has my understanding of mechanics, propulsion and glide (thanks to a lot to postings on this site). Unfortunately, I injured my knee a few months ago and I could only swim with a pull-buoy. Only recently have I removed the buoy and I found that my hips sink like an anchor. Beyond more lessons (which I will do), can anyone recommend any drills or exercises that would help me to better position my hips in the water?
I am also having problems with my initial pull. When my hand enters the water, it slips the first 5-6 inches until it grabs and starts to pull. Are there exercises that will help me with this, so I can pull throughout the entire stoke? Fortunately, I have excellent follow though – so that is not an issue. Thanks for your input.
Former Member
Montie,
Try the bouy at your ankles, keeping the tops of your feet facing the black line (along with your nose) while the rest of you rotates. Your brief description of your strokes sounds as though you do not get much weight shift. Pretend you are the slab on the barbeque and as it rotates all your weight drops to the under side of your body, your hand will slip less and your legs shouldn't sink as bad if you are keeping the tops of your feet (along with your nose) facing the black line.
Hermine (Coach, Santa Rosa Masters):cool:
Montie,
There is an excellent article about this subject posted on this very web site. On the USMS home page, there is a tool bar on the left. Click on the word "Technique" which is just under the boldtyped word "Articles". Read the very first one at the top of the list "Air & Gravity" by Emmett Hines.
Matt
For the hand slippage:
Try to get a bit more on your side and turn your hand, like you were waving just the hand, to the pinky side, the outside side of the body. This will put your hand in a better position to catch higher up.
