Swimming with a Straight-Arm Recovery

That article was an interesting project, and I learned a lot while writing it. My impression was that the benefit of the straight-arm freestyle recovery was primarily tied in with the way proper use of this technique forces hip rotation. The revelation was that this technique provided a way to gain a viable training benefit for butterflyers through freestyle training, without sacrificing the freestyle. During the process of researching this article, I found that there hasn't been a lot written about it. Most of the information I found came directly from those teaching it and those who have used the technique. Bill

For those who would like to read the article we are discussing, please use the following link: swiminfo.com/.../200407-01st_art1.asp Bill

I am a senior swimmer. Does the straight arm recovery require more or less flexibility than the bent arm recovery? Are there any videos or print pictures of the demonstration of the straight arm recovery? The article was great.

Bill, Do you know where the public can find these articles or books? Hook'em Blue

When you said written information, I was hoping that there might be something out there available for the public. I tried using a straight arm recovery and definitly noticed a difference due to what seemed to be increased momentum, kind of like an upside-down pendulum effect. I also felt more undulation and rhythm, and it seemed like I lowered my times on 100 yard repeats by a few seconds without increasing my stroke count. I might might try this for a month and see how my times are at the end of the month. Could you share any drills that these coachs and swimmers used? I understand that it is probably proprietary, but I figuered that I would ask anyway. Hook'em Blue

Bill, Did the coaches from programs using this technique comment at all on how often swimmers hit/lock arms during training, or how they work around it? This sounds really wimpy, but I already come home with bruised wrists and hands pretty frequently - even when I pull in narrow when passing swimmers in adjacent lanes. (Nothing like getting whacked by a stronger male triathlete muscling through his set! That's a lot of force. I've actually had my arm go numb.) I can't imagine a program where all swimmers are using a straight arm simultaneously! The technique is really intriguing. I'd be interested in any comments/thoughts on managing a poolful, and/or at least playing nice with other swimmers. Thanks! Sandie

Blue Horn: I think we're having a communication meltdown. I'll try to be as clear as possible here. All the information I collected was from interviews I conducted with the coaches and swimmers. I used no no written resources and referred to no articles because I didn't find any in existence. There may be some, but I am not aware of them. Therefore, I cannot guide you to articles. Sorry if this point wasn't clear in my previous messages. All of the information I have is presented in the article. Sandie: Hi, how's it going? Good to hear from you. I think Coach Bergen's application of the technique and Janet Evans' use of the technique may be different from how you do it. I was curious, so during the interviews I asked Janet Evans if she ever had collisions with swimmers in practice, and she said that never happened. Her coach, Bud McAllister said the same thing. Personally, I don't recall seeing collisions with the senior swimmers when I worked alongside Coach Bergen a few years ago, the year he mandated the use of windmill freestyle for his whole program. There were people who complained about it, but not because of arm collisions. These swimmers appear to windmill their arms up more toward the ceiling rather than to the side, so it doesn't appear as though it makes the stroke wider, but rather, narrower on the horizontal plane / pool surface. I believe it works this way for these swimmers because the coaches are using the technique to develop hip rotation. I haven't analyzed your stroke closely, but my guess would be that you may need to focus more on how the straight arm recovery facilitates more effectively timed (and complete) hip rotation. Ask your coach. Hope that helps, Bill

Actually, just misread the second to the last sentence in your first post. I read hasn't to be has. Dooh! Anyway great article and great food for thought. Hook'em Blue

Originally posted by Gil I am a senior swimmer. Does the straight arm recovery require more or less flexibility than the bent arm recovery? Are there any videos or print pictures of the demonstration of the straight arm recovery? The article was great. Thanks Gil. That's a good question. I haven't heard any discussion about flexibility, but I have heard about mechanics and shoulder strength. I have tried this technique with easy swimming in practice, and personally, I didn't feel it required any more flexibility. That's just my personal take on things. If you really think about it, for the average swimmer the windmill may require less flexibility than bent-arm freestyle. The way an average swimmer swims with bent-arm freestyle requires a fair amount of flexibility. It is very common to see the upper body rotating independently of the lower body. The hips often lag behind in the timing of the rotation (if the swimmer rotates at all). Subsequently, this stroke flaw may explain why swimmers who do not have good flexibility may develop shoulder injuries. They are, in effect, forcing their body into positions it is not flexible enough to manage. So, my personal feeling is that windmill would not necessarily require more flexibility -- and it is very possible it may require less flexibility. I would be curious to hear what coaches think about this question. Any coaches out there who are willing to respond? Bill

As I mentioned in a previous post, all of my information came from interviewing coaches and swimmers. I do not know of any other published resources on the subject.