I’ve tried searching for the answer to my question but I've been unsuccessful, so here goes – another newbie query:
If I’m swimming 24 strokes* per length (75 feet) am I really a terrible swimmer? I’m 5’7” w/what I suppose is an average build… :confused: Any suggestions for improvement?
Thanks!
Steph
*And just to clarify, by strokes I’m referring to swimming freestyle - right hand in equals one stroke and then left hand in equals two strokes, etc., until I reach the end of the lane.
Parents
Former Member
Originally posted by auto208562
As a tri participant, strokes can be very important for efficiency and saving strength. For example, in an ironman, imagine swimming 2.4 miles in the ocean at 60 strokes per 25 meters. Even if you finish by some miracle, you still have a long bike ride and marathon run behind it.
As sort of stated before, I agree that sometimes more strokes per length can make you faster. But can you maintain that speed for the length of swim you need? It's really going to depend on how far you are swimming, how fast you need to go, and also your physical measures (someone with longer arms may not have to stroke as many because his pull and reach is greater, as in someone with shorter arms have no choice but to stroke more).
If you are only swimming 100 meters, than maybe you can have 50 strokes per 25m. But if you are swimming miles, then maybe you have to be more efficient.
Point well taken. My point is simply that stroke count can be a distraction that may be unnecessary in particular circumstances. It doesn't determine whether someone is a terrible swimmer or a great swimmer.
Originally posted by auto208562
As a tri participant, strokes can be very important for efficiency and saving strength. For example, in an ironman, imagine swimming 2.4 miles in the ocean at 60 strokes per 25 meters. Even if you finish by some miracle, you still have a long bike ride and marathon run behind it.
As sort of stated before, I agree that sometimes more strokes per length can make you faster. But can you maintain that speed for the length of swim you need? It's really going to depend on how far you are swimming, how fast you need to go, and also your physical measures (someone with longer arms may not have to stroke as many because his pull and reach is greater, as in someone with shorter arms have no choice but to stroke more).
If you are only swimming 100 meters, than maybe you can have 50 strokes per 25m. But if you are swimming miles, then maybe you have to be more efficient.
Point well taken. My point is simply that stroke count can be a distraction that may be unnecessary in particular circumstances. It doesn't determine whether someone is a terrible swimmer or a great swimmer.
