I've been trying to reduce my distance per stroke for the last three months but whatever I do, I can't break the 18 strokes per 25 meter barrier. I stretch, I pull etc, but I just can't get there.
I think it may be because I'm not getting enough power out of the left side...I'm right handed and therefore tend to use that side of my body for the most power...any suggestions?
-dd
Parents
Former Member
Sneezy,
Something else that may also help reduce your stroke count is your streamline off the wall (if you don't do it all ready this will reduce your count by a couple of strokes). Most of your elite swimmers with the low stroke count are streamlining 5 to 10 yards, so they are actaully swimming (pulling) for 15-20 yards not 25 (that is if swimming in a 25 yard pool).
Catch up drill is a good one to help on DPS, another variation on this is doing 2 or 3 strokes right arm only then 2 or 3 strokes left arm only - with your non swimming arm extended/stretched out in front, each stroke with your swimming arm try to actually extend this hand past your non-swimming hand without bending the elbow of the non-swimming arm.
Ion - not sure on the comment about Perkins stroke, I assume the bold print is a direct quote and just underneath is yours. The only point your hands should be in opposition (meaning opposite or 180 dgrees apart) is when you are at the finish of a stroke and the other hand is stretched out front, not "one arm enters the water while the other arm exits the water". Backstroke is an opposition stroke for the most part, I don't think Perkins swims his freestyle in this manner.
Jeff
Sneezy,
Something else that may also help reduce your stroke count is your streamline off the wall (if you don't do it all ready this will reduce your count by a couple of strokes). Most of your elite swimmers with the low stroke count are streamlining 5 to 10 yards, so they are actaully swimming (pulling) for 15-20 yards not 25 (that is if swimming in a 25 yard pool).
Catch up drill is a good one to help on DPS, another variation on this is doing 2 or 3 strokes right arm only then 2 or 3 strokes left arm only - with your non swimming arm extended/stretched out in front, each stroke with your swimming arm try to actually extend this hand past your non-swimming hand without bending the elbow of the non-swimming arm.
Ion - not sure on the comment about Perkins stroke, I assume the bold print is a direct quote and just underneath is yours. The only point your hands should be in opposition (meaning opposite or 180 dgrees apart) is when you are at the finish of a stroke and the other hand is stretched out front, not "one arm enters the water while the other arm exits the water". Backstroke is an opposition stroke for the most part, I don't think Perkins swims his freestyle in this manner.
Jeff
