I have been working on Emmetts advice for a couple of months now and I can feel a big difference in water resistance. I had a big surprise today. The pool is now long course and has switched from yards to meters. If your intersted 100 meters equals 109.4 yards. I had not done a timed 100 free set in a long time but did one today. I was able to do a set of 10X100 meters long course free today with one minute rest in the same time as I did a 100 yard free in the short course pool two months ago. I was very happy. No I am not going to embrass myself by posting the time but I was excited.
Emmett is correct that if you anchor your pull and use the long axis of your body to rotate around it will make a big difference. I have not figured out how to compare stroke counts yet because of the pool differences but I am sure it was less. Now if I could do it ALL the time. Some days I can not hit the right rythmn but I keep trying. I might even have to buy that book by a certain swim coach.
Thanks a lot Emmett for your advice. You are helping me figure out what is missing in my stroke since I got old.
Have a great day
Paul
Former Member
Craig,
That's a good point. Because the overlap in front quadrant swimming isn't exactly a complete "catch-up" even though that's how the drills are done.
I suspect that's why Mark, you may be experiencing a slight decrease in speed even though your stroke count has improved for the better. The lead hand doesn't have to wait for the recovery arm to enter the water. It can more or less wait until that recovery arm has passed the shoulder. As Emmett suggests in his book, it may take upwards of a hundred thousand yards to effectively make a change in stroke mechanics. The key is in being patient and learning how to 'feel" the water not with just your hands. Old dogs can certainly learn new tricks.
Valhallan,
You are spot on with your analysis.It is obviously far easier for me to leave my lead arm out in front for as long as possible.I will try to work on starting my stroke with the lead arm as the recovering arm is passing my shoulder, just before it enters the water as you advised.Thanks for the advise it is most appreciated.:D
