I posted a thread a few days back about about different types of workouts and since then I've put together a hodge-podge of workouts to do over the course of a few weeks. One question that keeps dogging me has to do with stroke count. What counts as a stroke? Is right arm left arm one stroke or two? Or do different people count a stroke differently? Additionally, what should I be striving for in the terms of a freestyle stroke count? What is considered good and what is considered not so good?
Thanks, John
Parents
Former Member
I'm sure everyone counts strokes differently, and there probably isn't a right answer. Personally, and with most swimmers and coaches I've spoken to, I designate a point in the stroke as a starting point (usually during the entry, catch or out-sweep of the stroke) and when that arm reaches that point again it is "a stroke" or "stroke cycle".
The SR is a debated question and there are many varying opinions. Although it is hard to not talk about Stroke Rates and Distance per Stroke without getting them mixed up. Your stroke rate is usually calculated by time / numofcycles, while your DPS is distance / numofcycles. So your SR is how fast you are turning it over, while DPS is how efficient you are with your stroke. It usually is recommended to find a balance that fits the swimmer. Take a few time trials. Try a few short or long distances, counting your strokes, and watching the clock. Then do it again and +/- your SR or DPS and see if your effort level went up, and/or your time went down.
Do a google search on stroke rates and you'll find a lot more information.
I'm sure everyone counts strokes differently, and there probably isn't a right answer. Personally, and with most swimmers and coaches I've spoken to, I designate a point in the stroke as a starting point (usually during the entry, catch or out-sweep of the stroke) and when that arm reaches that point again it is "a stroke" or "stroke cycle".
The SR is a debated question and there are many varying opinions. Although it is hard to not talk about Stroke Rates and Distance per Stroke without getting them mixed up. Your stroke rate is usually calculated by time / numofcycles, while your DPS is distance / numofcycles. So your SR is how fast you are turning it over, while DPS is how efficient you are with your stroke. It usually is recommended to find a balance that fits the swimmer. Take a few time trials. Try a few short or long distances, counting your strokes, and watching the clock. Then do it again and +/- your SR or DPS and see if your effort level went up, and/or your time went down.
Do a google search on stroke rates and you'll find a lot more information.
