This looks like a nice forum. I'm from abroad (the Netherlands) so Englisch isn't my mother language.
I recently started 'learning' the crawl and I could really use some :help:
I can generate quite an acceptable speed with my arms but I do have 3 big problems with my crawl right now.
1. I swallow way to much water. This often happens right after inhaling air. I am under the impression that I stop inhaling before I turn my head and I start exhaling once my head is back under the water surface.
2. I can't generate any speed with my legs, not even one tenth of a meter per second.:(
Right now I just move my legs up and down, I keep my legs and feet straight with my toes extended. Since I don't get any speed and I have strong legs I must do something wrong.
3. I don't know how the arms and legs should work together. I hear 3 different versions:
- don't pay attention to the legs, you will move them automatically to compensate
- 2 strokes with the legs for 2 strokes with the arms
- 6 strokes with the legs for 2 strokes with the arms
What is indeed the best technique for the crawl?
Thanks to anyone who gives me some good tips.
Parents
Former Member
Swim Tips
1...Did you know many shoulder injuries for swimmers come from stretching exercises before they are warmed up? Some experts say you should not stretch at all, and do longer warm up and cool down swims.
2...What I've noticed, is that any movement which causes stress or pain should be eliminated from your stroke.
3...Races are won or lost on dives and turns. The body should go through the water with the least amount of resistance. Hands are extended, head down not looking forward, shoulders touching the ears.
4...If you slap the water, the water will slap you back with equal force. Remember Newton's third law... "Every action has an equal and opposite reaction"
5...If you drop your elbow, you will push yourself backwards.
6...If you press your thumb against your index finger, it causes tension in the forearm. Swim relaxed.
7...If you cup your hand you actually press less water when it's cupped, don't cup your hands.
8...If you force your fingers together, this also creates tention in the forearm. Swim relaxed.
9...Always finish your stroke, touching your thigh as far down the thigh as possible but keeping the body streamlined.
How the hand enters the water.
It really doesn't matter.
I found it easier to place my hand in the water with the thumb and all of the fingers entering the water at the same time. The elbow is at 90 degrees away from your little finger with a slight bend in your arm. As your hand enters the water extend and press the hand down, out from the center line of the body (about 3 to 5 lbs pressure per sq inch) very gently for about 6 to 8 inches.
Then you press the hand back towards the center line of the body (at 9 to 12 lbs pressure per sq inch) not applying full pressure and take it to the catch point of your stroke.
When you get to the catch point max it (about 25 lbs per sq inch) keep the hand as close to the body as practical and press down to your thigh.
Swim Tips
1...Did you know many shoulder injuries for swimmers come from stretching exercises before they are warmed up? Some experts say you should not stretch at all, and do longer warm up and cool down swims.
2...What I've noticed, is that any movement which causes stress or pain should be eliminated from your stroke.
3...Races are won or lost on dives and turns. The body should go through the water with the least amount of resistance. Hands are extended, head down not looking forward, shoulders touching the ears.
4...If you slap the water, the water will slap you back with equal force. Remember Newton's third law... "Every action has an equal and opposite reaction"
5...If you drop your elbow, you will push yourself backwards.
6...If you press your thumb against your index finger, it causes tension in the forearm. Swim relaxed.
7...If you cup your hand you actually press less water when it's cupped, don't cup your hands.
8...If you force your fingers together, this also creates tention in the forearm. Swim relaxed.
9...Always finish your stroke, touching your thigh as far down the thigh as possible but keeping the body streamlined.
How the hand enters the water.
It really doesn't matter.
I found it easier to place my hand in the water with the thumb and all of the fingers entering the water at the same time. The elbow is at 90 degrees away from your little finger with a slight bend in your arm. As your hand enters the water extend and press the hand down, out from the center line of the body (about 3 to 5 lbs pressure per sq inch) very gently for about 6 to 8 inches.
Then you press the hand back towards the center line of the body (at 9 to 12 lbs pressure per sq inch) not applying full pressure and take it to the catch point of your stroke.
When you get to the catch point max it (about 25 lbs per sq inch) keep the hand as close to the body as practical and press down to your thigh.
