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
  • Does anyone have a view on whether the method suggested produces reasonable targets? Thanks, Namor An alternate view - try this calculation: Take your height (inches, feet or yards) and divide that number into the length of the pool (gotta convert to same i.e., inches, feet or yards) and that number will give you how many strokes you (roughly) should be taking. Of course it will decrease the better your underwater work is. Example: I am 6' tall. 6 feet goes into 75 feet (25 yds) 12.5 times. On a good day I will be at 11 to 13 strokes per length. I can decrease that number by working the underwater portion better. On a rough day, (or race like a 1000 or 1650), I will approach 14 or 15 strokes per length as I approach the end of the race and I have a harder time staying underwater (as high as 16). Make sense?
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  • Does anyone have a view on whether the method suggested produces reasonable targets? Thanks, Namor An alternate view - try this calculation: Take your height (inches, feet or yards) and divide that number into the length of the pool (gotta convert to same i.e., inches, feet or yards) and that number will give you how many strokes you (roughly) should be taking. Of course it will decrease the better your underwater work is. Example: I am 6' tall. 6 feet goes into 75 feet (25 yds) 12.5 times. On a good day I will be at 11 to 13 strokes per length. I can decrease that number by working the underwater portion better. On a rough day, (or race like a 1000 or 1650), I will approach 14 or 15 strokes per length as I approach the end of the race and I have a harder time staying underwater (as high as 16). Make sense?
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