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
Hi David,
Besides what other people have said, you should also think about *how* you pull.
You mentioned being worried about how much power you had. But its also a question about how you apply that power. Elite swimmers spend less energy "moving water", which gives them more energy to move their bodies forward.
Have you every watched crew/rowing? Once they are up to speed, their oars move at about the same speed as the boat. The oar goes in, they pull the boat past their oar, then they move the oar out of the water. They do not try to push water backwards.
Ideally, you try to do the same thing while swimming. You should be able to feel if your hand is sliding backwards in the water (relative to a fixed point in the water), or if you have a good "grip" on the water.
Hi David,
Besides what other people have said, you should also think about *how* you pull.
You mentioned being worried about how much power you had. But its also a question about how you apply that power. Elite swimmers spend less energy "moving water", which gives them more energy to move their bodies forward.
Have you every watched crew/rowing? Once they are up to speed, their oars move at about the same speed as the boat. The oar goes in, they pull the boat past their oar, then they move the oar out of the water. They do not try to push water backwards.
Ideally, you try to do the same thing while swimming. You should be able to feel if your hand is sliding backwards in the water (relative to a fixed point in the water), or if you have a good "grip" on the water.
