Hi. I am confused about the high elbow position for freestyle. I've heard people say that the high elbow allows you to use your more powerful lats instead of puny arm muscles. However, I can't seem to get this position that allows me to use my lats. Simply, when I pull in freestyle, even with my elbow close to the surface, I don't feel like I'm using my lats a lot.
So, what IS the high elbow position, and how does it allow you to use your lats?
Thanks.
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Former Member
To me, high elbow is not about it's distance from the surface. It's about being high in relation to your forearm. A near vertical forearm is the idea.
Anyhow, I also don't feel a great load being placed upon my lats...but maybe that is the point. They are a large enough muscle group that the load is not sufficient to cause immeidate fatigue. Most of the fatigue I experience is in my triceps (when I concentrate on long strokes) and shoulder muscles after a longer than normal workout.
To me, high elbow is not about it's distance from the surface. It's about being high in relation to your forearm. A near vertical forearm is the idea.
Anyhow, I also don't feel a great load being placed upon my lats...but maybe that is the point. They are a large enough muscle group that the load is not sufficient to cause immeidate fatigue. Most of the fatigue I experience is in my triceps (when I concentrate on long strokes) and shoulder muscles after a longer than normal workout.
