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!
Parents
Former Member
I think the bottom line is you have to experiment and figure out what works best for you. Weber-Gale, Lezak, Sullivan, Phelps, etc. four different swimmers with four different body types. A great coach will be able to help you get the most out of your stroke. Flexibility, strength, age, height, arm length, etc are all factors that are going to influence what your best stroke is.
I would try it out and as long as you are pain free with experiment - see what is comfortable and what seems to work for you.
I absolutely agree that a coach should be able to adapt with their swimmers and should not blanket everyone under one category (even though that would make my life so much easier). As you mentioned, as long as there is no injury/pain and you are comfortable in your stroke while making improvements you will be good to go!
I think the bottom line is you have to experiment and figure out what works best for you. Weber-Gale, Lezak, Sullivan, Phelps, etc. four different swimmers with four different body types. A great coach will be able to help you get the most out of your stroke. Flexibility, strength, age, height, arm length, etc are all factors that are going to influence what your best stroke is.
I would try it out and as long as you are pain free with experiment - see what is comfortable and what seems to work for you.
I absolutely agree that a coach should be able to adapt with their swimmers and should not blanket everyone under one category (even though that would make my life so much easier). As you mentioned, as long as there is no injury/pain and you are comfortable in your stroke while making improvements you will be good to go!
