Freestyle Catch

I can relate to both methods that you describe. For me it seems to depend upon what pace I am swimming at. During a warmup I will initiate the catch much later than if I am sprinting.

I agree ....too early a catch can force a slight sideways not forward motion. Although in my case when sprinting I find I'm stiffer through the body and this prevents any sideways motion. Our coach always suggests an early catch but keep the real pressure off until the back half of the stroke. This allows you to get a good solid catch (no wheel spins) and it also emphasizes the forward motion. Paddles can help refine this action in training. Further to this it helps prevents shoulder damage. Most important when using paddles.

Thanks to everyone for their responses. Paul, I look forward to reading your chapters on the subject. Thanks again everyone. John

Originally posted by thewookiee Lately, I have been experimenting with the catch in freestyle. Please feel free to share your thoughts. I would love hear other's opinions. Hi John The freestyle catch and pull through phase is a discussion topic which really intrigues me as a swim coach and believe that there are many opinions "out there" as to how this should be done. We have a whole "chapter" discussing what you have mentioned above about the link with body roll, stroke timing, paddles etc at: www.swimsmooth.com/freearticles.htm ...have a little look and see if this helps. Thanks Paul

No worries John. If you can, have a go at a couple of the included swim sessions to help you with this aspect of your stroke and please feedback with how you go. Thanks and have a great week, Paul

Paul, I would love to attend a clinic. Unfortunately, the only two scheduled for the US are in California, on the other side of the country from me. When you have one in the southeastern US, I will attend. Thanks! John

Originally posted by thewookiee Paul, I would love to attend a clinic. Unfortunately, the only two scheduled for the US are in California, on the other side of the country from me. When you have one in the southeastern US, I will attend. Thanks! John Thanks John for your sentiments. Actually as we are really new to Canada and the USA we are still really just in the process of setting up dates and locations for our Clinics and as such despite them being very popular in the UK and Australia, we have thus far failed to run a course as yet over here (I'm ashamed to say!) and are always on the look out for approaching clubs and/or groups who might be keen. So if you and some your swimming buddies are keen and want to check out what we offer at www.swimsmooth.com/clinicinfo.htm please just let us know and we'll try to set something up down there for you. I'm a closet travel-addict it has to be said (!) and will look at coming wherever you and your group are. We also offer a free spot for your club coach or team leader, thereby hopefully enhancing the integration process following the clinic rather than just a "quick hit" which will subsequently die-off in the long term. This has been very beneficial with the clubs and groups that we have worked with in the UK and Australia and tends to help with the development of the group's swim development program for the future. So, let us know if you'd be keen by emailing me at paul@swimsmooth.com and we'll see what we can arrange John. Thanks Paul