Hi, I am a new swimmer, just making sure that I get my technique right in the freestyle stroke.
I have been watching videos of elites, and it looks like at the point of entry of the arm extended, the hand stays in that position (barely underwater) for several moments before it moves quickly back to the thigh and out of the water. Is there supposed to be that sort of "pause" before the ballistic motion of swinging the arm back (in the windmill fashion)?
This video has a good example of what I'm talking about - www.youtube.com/watch
Does that look like the right technique overall for the freestyle stroke? It seems kind of off to me.
Also, I guess I don't really understand how to breathe properly. When I turn my head to the side I often suck in water. In the videos of the elite races I can't even see their face come out of the water! How do you get the breath?
Thanks for your help.
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Former Member
what exactly is the "recovery" phase? what part of the stroke?
Also, another question. 99% of the time when I turn to take a breath I seem to be breathing in water. I can't figure out how to make this stop. I feel like I am rotating my head (and body) to the side, but I am still sucking in water. I don't think I am making a "bow wave," so that may be the problem, but I don't know how to do that....
I know I am asking a lot of questions, I'm just trying to get this right...:)
what exactly is the "recovery" phase? what part of the stroke?
Also, another question. 99% of the time when I turn to take a breath I seem to be breathing in water. I can't figure out how to make this stop. I feel like I am rotating my head (and body) to the side, but I am still sucking in water. I don't think I am making a "bow wave," so that may be the problem, but I don't know how to do that....
I know I am asking a lot of questions, I'm just trying to get this right...:)
