I've never seen (underwater video) a catch-up stroke used in freestyle in any meet. I've seen more of a mirror stroke pattern than catch-up. I've been told that during the 800 meter free, Ian Thorpe used a modified catch up but when I look at frame by frame I don't see it. I'm confused when I look at the webstie below that tells me that the catch-up stroke is the way freestyle should be done. Tell me what you think. Coach T.
windnseaswim.com/catchup2.html
No one truly uses a catch-up stroke when racing, but lots of elite swimmer use a front quadrant stroke. The videos I've seen of Hackett vs. Thorpe in the 800 free (2001 Worlds?) clearly show both swimmers doing a very front-quadrant type stroke.
edit: here's a youtube link It's especially evident in the quick overhead shot.
Larsen Jensen also has a stroke that is very close to a "catch-up." He's the first swimmer shown in this clip.
No one truly uses a catch-up stroke when racing, but lots of elite swimmer use a front quadrant stroke. The videos I've seen of Hackett vs. Thorpe in the 800 free (2001 Worlds?) clearly show both swimmers doing a very front-quadrant type stroke.
edit: here's a youtube link It's especially evident in the quick overhead shot.
Larsen Jensen also has a stroke that is very close to a "catch-up." He's the first swimmer shown in this clip.
