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?
I think Andy touched on a good point which is that increased DPS is something to strive for only if it makes you faster. One of the things that always bugged me about the "swim golf" drill someone else mentioned is that it sort of implies number of strokes and time are of equal importance when, in fact, the only thing that really matters is time. If you take 50 strokes to complete a 50 and the other guy only takes 25, but you touch the wall first, you still win.
I think a better drill would be to swim a fast 50 and count your strokes. Then make the goal to stay at that time or improve while taking fewer strokes. There's no point in taking fewer strokes if all it slows you down.
I think Andy touched on a good point which is that increased DPS is something to strive for only if it makes you faster. One of the things that always bugged me about the "swim golf" drill someone else mentioned is that it sort of implies number of strokes and time are of equal importance when, in fact, the only thing that really matters is time. If you take 50 strokes to complete a 50 and the other guy only takes 25, but you touch the wall first, you still win.
I think a better drill would be to swim a fast 50 and count your strokes. Then make the goal to stay at that time or improve while taking fewer strokes. There's no point in taking fewer strokes if all it slows you down.
