Thanks everybody for your suggestions so far. Given that this sport is really my last opportunity to keep racing (due to other injuries), I want to make sure I don't blow it. Lately my shoulder have been feeling "funny"...I'm not quiet sure if they're sore, or have onset of injury. And, I'm suspicious that the reason is pulling too hard too early, and extending the arm too far.
Many of you have mentioned pulling at the catch. In rowing, the catch is when the oar hits the water. What is the catch in swimming?
And, does anyone know the guideline for increasing mileage?
In running it's 10% per week. Is there a similar rule in swimming?
Thank you all so very much for everything.
Jerrycat ;)
Parents
Former Member
Gareth is right that to get a complete and detailed explanation of the "catch" and how to do it you should consult a book on swimming. But I think I can give you a rough explanation of what the people in this forum are talking about when they mention it.
Any swimming pull, regardless of the stroke, begins with the hand moving slightly forward and down after entry, until it's in position to start pulling back. The "catch" is the point when the hand reaches that position and the actual pulling begins; unlike rowing, the catch is after entry, so you don't start pulling immediately.
The detailed parts that really can't be explained here are the subtle changes in hand position and angle that take place at that time. You really need a book with drawings, photos and diagrams showing them.
Gareth is right that to get a complete and detailed explanation of the "catch" and how to do it you should consult a book on swimming. But I think I can give you a rough explanation of what the people in this forum are talking about when they mention it.
Any swimming pull, regardless of the stroke, begins with the hand moving slightly forward and down after entry, until it's in position to start pulling back. The "catch" is the point when the hand reaches that position and the actual pulling begins; unlike rowing, the catch is after entry, so you don't start pulling immediately.
The detailed parts that really can't be explained here are the subtle changes in hand position and angle that take place at that time. You really need a book with drawings, photos and diagrams showing them.
