Today one of my teammates, probably the fastest swimmer on our team, was telling me that I should think of aiming my hands toward the bottom of the opposite end of the pool rather than of reaching forward before catching. When I watched him swim, it still looked like he was extending forward, so I'm not sure if the move is just subtle or "a feeling" or if it is really a change of arm angle. When I tried to reach down, I felt like I wasn't getting full extension, but he said it looked better. I don't want to go through what feels like a fundamental stroke change unless I'm sure I understand what I'm supposed to be doing. Can someone enlighten me? Thanks!
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Former Member
I'm not sure if this is exactly with in what we are talking about here but my high school coach used to say your hand should always surprise the water. I always thought this meant that your hand should sort of sneak into the water and never slap it. It requires very relaxed hands. I've heard that really good swimmers will relax their hands so much that their fingers will separate and then come together as they enter the water.
then instead of pushing your hand down, gravity and momentum will move your hand down. this requires your shoulders to be relaxed still. then when you are ready to begin the "push" back your should firms up.
My high school coach's name was A. Fish.
I'm not sure if this is exactly with in what we are talking about here but my high school coach used to say your hand should always surprise the water. I always thought this meant that your hand should sort of sneak into the water and never slap it. It requires very relaxed hands. I've heard that really good swimmers will relax their hands so much that their fingers will separate and then come together as they enter the water.
then instead of pushing your hand down, gravity and momentum will move your hand down. this requires your shoulders to be relaxed still. then when you are ready to begin the "push" back your should firms up.
My high school coach's name was A. Fish.
