I'm a straight arm flyer and lead with my wrists. I was told by a very knowledgable person that this might be hard on the shoulders if you're not flexible (Although personally I am very flexible and loosey goosey, so I don't feel like I'm straining anything.)
So do others think straight arm fly is actually hard on the shoulders? Should we be leading with the elbows instead of the wrists? This seems odd to me. From what I can tell, Michael Phelps has a straight arm fly. I'll have to look at Crocker again. Thoughts?
Swimming breaststroke is so much easier.
(ducking for cover)
Very funny. Fly is way easier than evilstroke. The timing is tricky, but not as difficult as evilstroke. I'm sure Paul will be along to discuss the gymnast/diver/ballet dancer connection. I will just say that I don't have duck feet, and that must be the source of the problem.
Crucifix test: (I had to ask too.) Stand up with arms straight out at shoulder level at a 90 degree angle, so your body is mimicing a cross. I don't see how you do the test if you're horizontal as Rec Swimmer suggests. When you turn your hand back, your thumb has to pointing to the wall in back of you or toward the floor (if you're flexible enough).
I think my thumbs go in pretty much the same way as Phelps, probably not as relaxed.
FYI, Ande told me that straight arm/wrist leading fly was fine, and I should carry on as is.
It's just interesting that people have different ideas. I'm going to look at the link Kirk provided.
Swimming breaststroke is so much easier.
(ducking for cover)
Very funny. Fly is way easier than evilstroke. The timing is tricky, but not as difficult as evilstroke. I'm sure Paul will be along to discuss the gymnast/diver/ballet dancer connection. I will just say that I don't have duck feet, and that must be the source of the problem.
Crucifix test: (I had to ask too.) Stand up with arms straight out at shoulder level at a 90 degree angle, so your body is mimicing a cross. I don't see how you do the test if you're horizontal as Rec Swimmer suggests. When you turn your hand back, your thumb has to pointing to the wall in back of you or toward the floor (if you're flexible enough).
I think my thumbs go in pretty much the same way as Phelps, probably not as relaxed.
FYI, Ande told me that straight arm/wrist leading fly was fine, and I should carry on as is.
It's just interesting that people have different ideas. I'm going to look at the link Kirk provided.
