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!
Chris Stevenson ... I like my shoulders intact too much to ever try and model my backstroke off of his.
I have a LOT of rotation in backstroke -- more than most -- and I think that puts less of a strain on the shoulders than the "normal" backstroke. I rotate a lot in free, too. Maybe this is one reason (the other being genetics) I haven't had shoulder problems even after many years of competitive swimming.
Chris Stevenson ... I like my shoulders intact too much to ever try and model my backstroke off of his.
I have a LOT of rotation in backstroke -- more than most -- and I think that puts less of a strain on the shoulders than the "normal" backstroke. I rotate a lot in free, too. Maybe this is one reason (the other being genetics) I haven't had shoulder problems even after many years of competitive swimming.
