I was reviewing a video of myself swimming a 50 free (scm) and was alarmed to find that I took 21 strokes on the first 25 and 25 strokes on the second 25. I had no idea I took that many strokes as, when I swim 100's at medium pace, it is more like 17 or 18. 19 or 20 when I am tired.
So what is the optimal number of strokes per length or is that going to depend on the size of the individual? I am either 180 or 181cm (I always forget) tall and have a wingspan of (just measured this) 186cm. Does it sound like my stroke rate is too high? Should I be doing more with that that pull under the water and slow down the turnover?
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Former Member
I've found that a useful focal point for increasing stroke length in a sprint is the water pressure against the hands. Instead of judging my effort by turnover, I judge it by force. Going all out means going for maximum force on the hands underwater. I think this focus helped me conserve energy with a very fast top speed at LCM Nationals this year.
Does anyone else think about this? It would be cool if some people tried it and reported back about any changes in stroke length.
I've found that a useful focal point for increasing stroke length in a sprint is the water pressure against the hands. Instead of judging my effort by turnover, I judge it by force. Going all out means going for maximum force on the hands underwater. I think this focus helped me conserve energy with a very fast top speed at LCM Nationals this year.
Does anyone else think about this? It would be cool if some people tried it and reported back about any changes in stroke length.
