I have been endeavouring to improve my freestyle stroke for some time and am now confused. I am hoping someone may have some advice.
For years I just swam thinking all I had to do was rotate my arms and kick to get to the other end. Once I could get to the other end I began to focus on technique.
I read Terry Laughlin's total immersion aiming to increase stroke length by fully extending the leading arm and practising front quandrant swimming by only commencing the catch and pull when the other arm "caught up" to the leading arm.
I have also been in a technique class however they suggest the leading arm should not be extended but should remain curved as the leading hand enters the water. They suggest the catch and pull should commence as soon as the leading hand enters the water. This is a completely different technique to that explained in Total Immersion.
I understand there are different techniques and suspect it is a matter of identifying what works best for the individual. I would be interested in other swimmers views and which technique they prefer.
Regards - John
Parents
Former Member
Thank you all for the wealth of information you have brought to this topic. You have given me a lot to think about.
Bob - I will re-read Total Immersion to better understand their approach to the freestyle stroke. Dead Fish - I will also keep your comments about the marketing aspect of T.I.
Clyde - thanks for your suggestions about keeping pressure on the stroking hand and Ande thanks for your comments on elite swimmers.
John & Craig thank you for your ideas on the different stroke concepts for distance and speed swimming as well as considering the genetics of the individual.
I will keep going with my swimming. Practise makes perfect.
Regards - Johnathon
Thank you all for the wealth of information you have brought to this topic. You have given me a lot to think about.
Bob - I will re-read Total Immersion to better understand their approach to the freestyle stroke. Dead Fish - I will also keep your comments about the marketing aspect of T.I.
Clyde - thanks for your suggestions about keeping pressure on the stroking hand and Ande thanks for your comments on elite swimmers.
John & Craig thank you for your ideas on the different stroke concepts for distance and speed swimming as well as considering the genetics of the individual.
I will keep going with my swimming. Practise makes perfect.
Regards - Johnathon
