I'm looking to gain more knowledge about sprint freestyle swimming. As an long retired distance freestyler I don't have a great deal of personal knowledge of how to swim the 50 or 100 freestyle. I've coached many sprint freestylers and I know that many of the best sprinters have what I would say an amazing strategy to their sprint swims. I am currently giving private lessons to many age groupers and high school swimmers and I've been explaining to them that some of the best sprinters in the world swim their 50 or 100 with more strategy than just the plain old thought of swimming "FAST".
I would very much appreciate any of you sprinters out there who would like to share your strategies for swimming these two events. I would love to be able to pass on some of this information, but I think many of us in the masters community could learn from some of you as well. I look forward to seeing some of the responses. Maybe I will try sprinting one day (LOL):rofl: .
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Former Member
The most important propulsive component of sprinting is the ability to acquire an effective Early Vertical Forearm position. It differentiates every level of swimmer from beginner to Olympian. It's not easy but try holding your arm over your head in a "soft -C" position. To acquire this position you should hold your arms over your head then lower the hand and forearm until it is parallel to the ground. the elbow will be even with the hand. If you don't know what I'm talking about, go to a couple websites that show Ian Thorpe and other great swimmer's super EVF position. I'm not saying that streamlining and kick isn't important, but without a great EVF, you're not going to get really fast. Good luck! Tom at tomtopo@netzero.com if you have more questions.
The most important propulsive component of sprinting is the ability to acquire an effective Early Vertical Forearm position. It differentiates every level of swimmer from beginner to Olympian. It's not easy but try holding your arm over your head in a "soft -C" position. To acquire this position you should hold your arms over your head then lower the hand and forearm until it is parallel to the ground. the elbow will be even with the hand. If you don't know what I'm talking about, go to a couple websites that show Ian Thorpe and other great swimmer's super EVF position. I'm not saying that streamlining and kick isn't important, but without a great EVF, you're not going to get really fast. Good luck! Tom at tomtopo@netzero.com if you have more questions.
