I have been studying videos of swimmers and find what was once called the "S" stroke has almost disappeard.
I have noticed that flyers use it. But crawl swimmers have modified it so much that it is almost gone.
Has it been replaced completely or was it an optical illusion? Did underwater film show us it did not exist.
As I understand it,Councilman first observed that many world class swimmers where using and S shaped pull in free and fly. He variously hypothesized that it was to be more in still water and to increase lift propulsion.In an effort to generate more lift propulsion the S became exaggerated.then the Australians begin having success with a straighter pull and emphasizing EVF.Many coaches began to think that drag was more important than lift for propulsion so the S is phasing out.As to the underlying question about lift vs drag,as far as i know the definitive studies have not been done.
As I understand it,Councilman first observed that many world class swimmers where using and S shaped pull in free and fly. He variously hypothesized that it was to be more in still water and to increase lift propulsion.In an effort to generate more lift propulsion the S became exaggerated.then the Australians begin having success with a straighter pull and emphasizing EVF.Many coaches began to think that drag was more important than lift for propulsion so the S is phasing out.As to the underlying question about lift vs drag,as far as i know the definitive studies have not been done.
