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
I would say that your stroke count is high but I don't know if you are pushing off the wall or just start stroking immediately. Ideally you should continually aim to reduce your stroke count while maintaining a fluid movement. The fewer strokes you take per length the less energy you expend and the less wear and tear you place on your body. Efficiency is key in the water. H20ustonswims.com has a plethora of articles that are good reading, many of which deal with stroke count and way to improve it. For me, my catch was failing me. A dropped elbow underwater was slowing me down. With a more efficient catch and pull coupled with good balance I typically swim a 25 yard length between 13 and 16 strokes. Check out the website and it's articles, I think you will find them useful.
I would say that your stroke count is high but I don't know if you are pushing off the wall or just start stroking immediately. Ideally you should continually aim to reduce your stroke count while maintaining a fluid movement. The fewer strokes you take per length the less energy you expend and the less wear and tear you place on your body. Efficiency is key in the water. H20ustonswims.com has a plethora of articles that are good reading, many of which deal with stroke count and way to improve it. For me, my catch was failing me. A dropped elbow underwater was slowing me down. With a more efficient catch and pull coupled with good balance I typically swim a 25 yard length between 13 and 16 strokes. Check out the website and it's articles, I think you will find them useful.
