Stroke Count Estimation

Former Member
Former Member
I have been looking at this article on estimating baseline stroke counts www.usaswimming.org/.../ViewMiscArticle.aspx I have relatively short arms and the method produces quite a high stroke count. It does make quite difference though whether I measure wrist to wrist as suggested or (say) finger tip to finger tip. Does anyone have a view on whether the method suggested produces reasonable targets? Thanks, Namor
Parents
  • It seems like a very cumbersome way to find your stroke count target. May I suggest that you simply count your strokes and then try to see how many fewer you can do by stretching/reaching, keeping a high elbow, front quadrant swimming etc. If it takes you 28 strokes to swim 25 yards, see if you can get it down to 21. Someone will correct me if I am wrong, but top Masters swimmers are probably going 12 freestyle strokes per length or better (depending upon speed and underwater breakout of course.)
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  • It seems like a very cumbersome way to find your stroke count target. May I suggest that you simply count your strokes and then try to see how many fewer you can do by stretching/reaching, keeping a high elbow, front quadrant swimming etc. If it takes you 28 strokes to swim 25 yards, see if you can get it down to 21. Someone will correct me if I am wrong, but top Masters swimmers are probably going 12 freestyle strokes per length or better (depending upon speed and underwater breakout of course.)
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