i've just finished reading a few articles on doing less strokes per length but this has left me confused.Last night i read an article on breaststroke which explained that shorter arm strokes,ie.not pulling further back than about shoulder position was the better option,which is the way to go ?
Former Member
I'm certainly no expert on stroke mechanics, but I think I can help.
I assume that you understand what the stroke count is, and that a lower stroke count indicates a more efficient stroke (with some qualification). In particular, we are looking at number of strokes to swim the length of the pool.
A shorter breaststroke pull as described is likely to decrease your stroke count, rather than increase it. This could be because (1) the inward scull, if hands go below shoulder level, loses power quickly; (2) the longer recovery from the lower position costs you some forward momentum. In any case, the hands don't travel as far in one pull, but your body is propelled further in each pull. This decreases stroke count.
