We work on stroke counts alot over the summer break, I was wondering what a reasonable stroke count is for each of the strokes. I know it depends alot on height, kick off the wall etc.
On an aerobic set (this is short course meters!) I can hold 9-11 on fly (with 6-8kicks off wall), 12-14 on back (with 6-8kicks off wall), 6-7 on breastsroke and 13-15 on freestyle.
Being a freestyler thats the one I concentrate on most. I can swim a 50 in about 34 secs holding 13-14 strokes on an aerobic set, yet when I race (26 for the 50m) I go 18-20 strokes. I know this is alot of difference to the aerobic set, so was wondering whether most swimmers have such a big difference?
I find it really hard (impossible!) to lower my stroke rate whilst going flat out to less than 18/19 strokes. I have chatted to my coach about it and he thinks that it is my optimal stroke rate but I still need to improve my stroke length. Any less strokes than this I end up feeling mechanical and loose my rythm!
Just wondered if anyone had any views on the above!!:D
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If you would like some advanced info on this then go to this link: http://www.bscta.com , then go to articles and download "teaching distance per stroke". This is a word document, is 14 pages long and details for coaches how to teach distance per stroke.
Of course ideally your stroke length should stay the same whatever your speed, only your stroke rate and velocity would change. This would imply that you were holding well onto the water and there was no "slippage" as you go faster.
That is an ideal that few attain. The smaller the range between your strokes per length from slow to fast then the better.
Sets of swimming 25's at different speeds while trying to have your hands enter exactly the same spot in the water on each length are good for working on this.
Anyway, good luck !
If you would like some advanced info on this then go to this link: http://www.bscta.com , then go to articles and download "teaching distance per stroke". This is a word document, is 14 pages long and details for coaches how to teach distance per stroke.
Of course ideally your stroke length should stay the same whatever your speed, only your stroke rate and velocity would change. This would imply that you were holding well onto the water and there was no "slippage" as you go faster.
That is an ideal that few attain. The smaller the range between your strokes per length from slow to fast then the better.
Sets of swimming 25's at different speeds while trying to have your hands enter exactly the same spot in the water on each length are good for working on this.
Anyway, good luck !
