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 like to show people the benefit of rotation by having them swim a couple of 25's, count their strokes then have them swim a couple of 25's aiming for the bottom of the pool while entering their hands right next to their ears.
result; same or fewer strokes per 25.
why? they are propelling forward with an exagerated high elbow and twisting motion which is not possible if one extends their arm too far before entering the water (quite common)
the challenge: how far forward can you reach without sacraficing rotation and still enter cleanly. only one way to find out.
another point: a deeper catch will counter balance one's sinking legs.
result: kick can be used for propulsion rather than balance.
.......but isn't it all about finding the balance?
i like to show people the benefit of rotation by having them swim a couple of 25's, count their strokes then have them swim a couple of 25's aiming for the bottom of the pool while entering their hands right next to their ears.
result; same or fewer strokes per 25.
why? they are propelling forward with an exagerated high elbow and twisting motion which is not possible if one extends their arm too far before entering the water (quite common)
the challenge: how far forward can you reach without sacraficing rotation and still enter cleanly. only one way to find out.
another point: a deeper catch will counter balance one's sinking legs.
result: kick can be used for propulsion rather than balance.
.......but isn't it all about finding the balance?
