Reaching "down" on freestyle

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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  • Heck, you've probably looked at it more than I -- I rarely look at video, probably should -- but I would think it is the angle rather than the depth that is important. Whenever I've tweaked my shoulder badly it is when I'm reaching behind me (eg, reaching to the backseat for a map). I would think the more you rotate the the safer on your shoulders... But now you've made me nervous too. Don't listen to anything I say, then you can't blame me for tearing something new. :) hahaha ... I've obviously seen your stroke but not really watched - do you think you have a deep catch? My shoulder got angry when I tried for the deep catch without rotation. You hit the nail on the head that I need to work on rotation and that there are many swimmers that need to do that. It's one of those things that is a good idea for everyone. I was just using your stroke as a "real life masters" example of how one stroke can work for one person but maybe not for others. :)
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  • Heck, you've probably looked at it more than I -- I rarely look at video, probably should -- but I would think it is the angle rather than the depth that is important. Whenever I've tweaked my shoulder badly it is when I'm reaching behind me (eg, reaching to the backseat for a map). I would think the more you rotate the the safer on your shoulders... But now you've made me nervous too. Don't listen to anything I say, then you can't blame me for tearing something new. :) hahaha ... I've obviously seen your stroke but not really watched - do you think you have a deep catch? My shoulder got angry when I tried for the deep catch without rotation. You hit the nail on the head that I need to work on rotation and that there are many swimmers that need to do that. It's one of those things that is a good idea for everyone. I was just using your stroke as a "real life masters" example of how one stroke can work for one person but maybe not for others. :)
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