Hi,
My swimming interest lies in triathlons, and I have heard of two fairly different techniques for freestyle.
I've been getting swimming tips from active.com. They advocate hand entering the water thumb & forefinger first, rotating to flat, and then the arm traces an "s" shape under water, elbow slightly bent.
Recently, I was told by a master's coach that the proper form is to have your hand enter the water finger tips first, then bring the arm through the stroke with the elbow at 90 degree bend so the arm below the elbow is parallel to the bottom of the pool.
I've tried both, and the second way seems more awkward (probably because it's new to me), but the only other difference I can find is that it seems to use different arm & back muscles.
What's the "right" form and why?
Thanks,
tri'ing
I'd say the correct answer is somewhere in between the two scenarios you describe. It sounds like the coach is trying to get you to keep a high elbow position, which is good, but be careful that you aren't putting too much stress on your shoulder.
The "s" pattern you mentioned in the first method is a little out of date, but your hand entering slightly tilted toward the thumb is good advice because it will keep your elbow high. You shouldn't emphasize the S pattern in your stroke. Instead concentrate on keeping a high elbow and pulling through with your hand pitched to "press" against the water as much as possible at all phases of the stroke.
There are some good technique articles on the USMS site which will describe proper technique much better than I can :)
I'd say the correct answer is somewhere in between the two scenarios you describe. It sounds like the coach is trying to get you to keep a high elbow position, which is good, but be careful that you aren't putting too much stress on your shoulder.
The "s" pattern you mentioned in the first method is a little out of date, but your hand entering slightly tilted toward the thumb is good advice because it will keep your elbow high. You shouldn't emphasize the S pattern in your stroke. Instead concentrate on keeping a high elbow and pulling through with your hand pitched to "press" against the water as much as possible at all phases of the stroke.
There are some good technique articles on the USMS site which will describe proper technique much better than I can :)
