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!
I'd say most people aren't able to just go on feel. I think that is reserved for the few rather than the masses. I also agree that the technique debate is almost pointless. There are definitely things you can do wrong but the spectrum of what's right is much greater.
There will also always be exceptions to any rule - Phelps, Evans, Lezak all have parts of their stroke I would not promote amongst my swimmers. Heck Chris Stevenson has an insanely fast backstroke but I like my shoulders intact too much to ever try and model my backstroke off of his. :notworthy:
I think with years of experience, practice, luck, and talent you can begin to feel what is wrong with your stroke, where errors and slips are, etc.
One great way to work on feel is to swim with your eyes closed - eliminate the visual cues. Note: this can be a bit dangerous. I try to do this frequently and usually not for more than a few strokes before I sneak a peak to make sure I'm not about to kill someone else or ram into a wall or lane line. Another great way is to swim as slowly as possible ... you will inevitably feel your body position, rotation, etc. You can mask it with speed.
I'd say most people aren't able to just go on feel. I think that is reserved for the few rather than the masses. I also agree that the technique debate is almost pointless. There are definitely things you can do wrong but the spectrum of what's right is much greater.
There will also always be exceptions to any rule - Phelps, Evans, Lezak all have parts of their stroke I would not promote amongst my swimmers. Heck Chris Stevenson has an insanely fast backstroke but I like my shoulders intact too much to ever try and model my backstroke off of his. :notworthy:
I think with years of experience, practice, luck, and talent you can begin to feel what is wrong with your stroke, where errors and slips are, etc.
One great way to work on feel is to swim with your eyes closed - eliminate the visual cues. Note: this can be a bit dangerous. I try to do this frequently and usually not for more than a few strokes before I sneak a peak to make sure I'm not about to kill someone else or ram into a wall or lane line. Another great way is to swim as slowly as possible ... you will inevitably feel your body position, rotation, etc. You can mask it with speed.
