I just read the article "Windmill Revolution" by Bill Volckening and was wondering what you all thought about the possibility of using the straight-arm recovery. What I found interesting was the discussion of the stroke's similarities to the undulation, recovery and pull of butterfly. I also found it interesting that some of the coaches and swimmers felt that the straight-arm recovery added hip snap at the end of the stroke, which I have been lead to believe is the least propulsive portion of the stroke.
Does anyone know where I could read more on the subject and the specifics of technique or any drills?
Hook'em
Blue
Parents
Former Member
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
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
