Hi guys and gals!
I've been excited to see dramatic improvement in my middle school team (girls and boys) as I've emphasized and Early Vertical Forearm EVF) position vs. an extended, exaggerated and/or catch-up stroke. After the swimmer has attained the best streamlined position starting their stroke, I have preached about the importance of moving the hand (keeping it still with no bend or no more than a 12 degree bend) as it moves slowly (with pressure) under the elbow. I tell my swimmers to keep their hands outside the shoulders and not to scull toward the midline for many reasons. First, sculling too much is a common and very difficult flaw to correct. Second, sculling toward the mid-line too early is another difficult flaw to correct, Third, it's very easy to correct a swimmer who maintains a surfboard type pull throughout the entire pulling/pushing phase (never had one), and get them to pull toward the mid-line.
I do a lot of dryland drills static and isometric with elbows (varying in degrees) above the head. I've found them to be perfectly safe and the swimmers find them non-threating (no weights). As they get stronger, I'll introduce them to light therapy bands and 1/4lb weights.
Over forty years, and counting, of theories, strategies, and programs that stregthen pulling power. I'm one of many coaches who see that pushing the forearm ahead of the shoulder is an critical propulsive skill that has been sorely neglected by much of the swimming community. A great EVF isn't just a gift, - it can be and should be taught. Coach T.
Parents
Former Member
EVF is another word for the catch. Every swimmer needs it if they want to efficeintly move themself through the water. It's not something that shouldn't be shared by both the novice and the elite. It's the basis of effective propulsion. Shoulder problems are caused by many things but the catch shouldn't be one of them. Soft shoulder injury and impingement is often associated with a straight arm pushing water down and when the arm exits the water. Look at the shoulder injury threads.
"I wonder if the early vertical forearm caused Grant Hacketts shoulder injury that needed surgery early this year. There seems to be lots more shoulder surgeries in swimming at the same time as increased teaching of EVF. Noticed that?
Theres lots of people doing EVF who arent fast, why should we copy just one little part of the stroke of some elite swimmers that looks interesting claiming that it is an essential part of their success ?
EVF has been around before the 70's and not only isn't new but rarely contested among the top coaches in the world as one of their main focuses.
Look at the poll among coaches and you can hear them tell listeners that the catch is one of the first and primary areas of focus.
EVF is simply another name for catch and don't let anyone tell you different.
When anyone improves their EVF, they swim faster.
EVF is another word for the catch. Every swimmer needs it if they want to efficeintly move themself through the water. It's not something that shouldn't be shared by both the novice and the elite. It's the basis of effective propulsion. Shoulder problems are caused by many things but the catch shouldn't be one of them. Soft shoulder injury and impingement is often associated with a straight arm pushing water down and when the arm exits the water. Look at the shoulder injury threads.
"I wonder if the early vertical forearm caused Grant Hacketts shoulder injury that needed surgery early this year. There seems to be lots more shoulder surgeries in swimming at the same time as increased teaching of EVF. Noticed that?
Theres lots of people doing EVF who arent fast, why should we copy just one little part of the stroke of some elite swimmers that looks interesting claiming that it is an essential part of their success ?
EVF has been around before the 70's and not only isn't new but rarely contested among the top coaches in the world as one of their main focuses.
Look at the poll among coaches and you can hear them tell listeners that the catch is one of the first and primary areas of focus.
EVF is simply another name for catch and don't let anyone tell you different.
When anyone improves their EVF, they swim faster.
