Fist Swimming

I'm curious about what the article said the purpose was of this type of swimming--b/c my coach suggested the "fist drill" as one I could do during drill segments.... I tried it but couldn't wait to stop... of course, drills (except for free catch-up) are always my least favorite part of a swim practice, so I can't go by that. If I'm given a choice of drill, the "fist drill" is definitely not one of my choices.

As I understand it, the fist drill is supposed to heighten the sensation of using your forearm for propulsion. By doing so, it also ensures correct placement of the hand (and forearm) for maximum efficiency. That being said, how many swimmers have their coaches stand over them while doing drills of any sort? Most drills are designed to correct or strengthen specific aspects of one's stroke, and if not monitored from the deck with appropriate feedback, are a waste of time. Many coaches give drill sets and walk away. If your coach is one of those, demand attention to your efforts for one or two laps to make sure you are doing the drill correctly.

There are two times I do fist swimming. I do some early in every warm-up to heighten feel for the water. I also will do a few laps any time I feel any shoulder pain as it puts less strain on my shoulder.

I'm not a fist fan I don't get how it can help me improve. I am a fan of efficiency, dps, dpk, correct body/head position, long smooth arm strokes, streamlining, gliding, sculling, one arm drills and sdk I don't use kick boards, pull buoys or paddles Ande

I think all drills should be either done minimally or not at all. I do not count kicking, catchup or arms only as drills. Allen as far as shoulder pain just a little adjustmrnt in the crawl stroke eg not reaching as far or keeping the hand closer to the body during the catch phase helps.

And now for the other side: I use fistgloves (the lazy man's fist swimming) and find them enormously helpful. I find it to be the fastest way to correct my stroke when I am having "issues" with it. It is the only tool that I use. It does take some getting used to, however. -LBJ

I found that when I used my fists, I had no catch. I never really felt that I was able to properly begin my stroke. That first movement of aligning the hand with the forearm never happened. I did think that fist drills did force me to use my biceps & shoulders more but it was hard to get my arm aligned to use them. Sicne I first posted this, I've stopped and gotten my count back down to 15-17 strokes.

I need to do fist swiimming every once in a while. I have a mild case of Carpal Tunnel. When I do alot constant swimming (like open water) my hand can start going numb. Once I fist swim for a little while, the feeling starts coming back. I know I go slower when I do it but it helps. I think it does have a place in our repetriore of strokes. JIM

i use fist swimming for several purposes: sometimes on the day before a long distance race i will swim with gloves for my entire practice. the purpose is to rest my shoulders and upper body. upon returning to scy training in the autumn (after 3 1/2 months of long course and open water) i use gloves frequently for all four strokes. they help me dial back into the efficiency i try to maintain througout my training. like ande, i don't use kickboards or pull buoys, as they change the center of gravity, and don't help to imprint balanced swimming. gloves, however, force one to not rely so heavily on the arms as the primary source of propulsion....this is good! it is important to swim disciplined sets with gloves ie: swim 25 yds at 13 (14, 15 whatever) strokes per length swim 50 yds at 13 strokes per length etc. do not add distance until you have control of your spl. repeat w/out gloves (using lower stroke count) my stroke count with gloves is typically 1 or 2 strokes per 25 yds higher than without. regards david

Fist drill click the little arrow after the arrow turns green www.bodybuilding.com/.../fist.mpg www.triswimcoach.com/.../1172095213.wmv