How do you prevent sacrificing stroke length when you increase stroke rate?
Former Member
Through recent trainings, I think I have been able to increase my stroke length. I can tell this by the hissing sound getting louder that I hear when I pull, as well as the number of strokes per yard. :laugh2:
But when I try to increase the stroke rate as well, this time my stroke length suffers and the overall speed doesn't get as much boost from my recently increased stroke length.
Is it because I am not executing the stroke technique in exactly the same manner when I'm sprinting as when I am just cruising? Or are there other things to watch out when I sprint?
Parents
Former Member
One of the things that helps me think through this question is to think about how to move through the water in the most efficient manner possible. Although I was taught (many years ago) that distance per stroke (DPS) is one of the most important elements in swimming, it appears that more recent thinking involves looking towards how quickly you can 'catch' and then release the water (as suggested in a prior response). It may help to think about an escalator or conveyor belt...if you can get a sustainable rhythm going with your stroke by catching and then releasing, you can build momentum through the water more easily than by 'forcing' your stroke by focusing solely on distance per stroke. This was somewhat counterintuitive for me to think about until I played around with my stroke and found that by sacrificing some of the DPS for more strokes, I was able to swim faster. Of course, you'll want to find what works best for you. I've also found that you can find some great info on the Web around stroke counts, etc. One of my favorite sites is www.goswim.tv. And of course, there are many other sites as well. Good luck!
One of the things that helps me think through this question is to think about how to move through the water in the most efficient manner possible. Although I was taught (many years ago) that distance per stroke (DPS) is one of the most important elements in swimming, it appears that more recent thinking involves looking towards how quickly you can 'catch' and then release the water (as suggested in a prior response). It may help to think about an escalator or conveyor belt...if you can get a sustainable rhythm going with your stroke by catching and then releasing, you can build momentum through the water more easily than by 'forcing' your stroke by focusing solely on distance per stroke. This was somewhat counterintuitive for me to think about until I played around with my stroke and found that by sacrificing some of the DPS for more strokes, I was able to swim faster. Of course, you'll want to find what works best for you. I've also found that you can find some great info on the Web around stroke counts, etc. One of my favorite sites is www.goswim.tv. And of course, there are many other sites as well. Good luck!
