I asked this question under workouts and got no response. hopefully better luck here.
When counting strokes where do you count from? Are you counting 1 arm? or is each arm rotation counted? If I count each arm rotation it takes my 16 strokes to cover 25 yds. What should a typical stroke count be?
For stroke count, do you all count that first stroke under water that does not break the surface?
I count by 2's every time my right hand touches the water. Since my 1st stroke is with the left and is the underwater one it gets counted.
I count hand splashes as well. That generally will not count that first pull on your breakout. Reason is, when you get to the far wall and turn, usually your hands are down at your side.
Counting the way I do (which is, I think, how most count), I average 8-10 strokes per 25 yards. It's 8 on the first length (mostly due to the longer breakout from the wall push-off), then usually 9 per length until I tighten up, and then it goes to 10.
-Rick
For stroke count, do you all count that first stroke under water that does not break the surface?
I'd also like to know answer to this. I don't count that one.
For stroke count, do you all count that first stroke under water that does not break the surface?
I count hand splashes.
If you count hand splashes, this first underwater stroke will be counted unless you finish with your forehead to the wall. I have tried this method of finishing, and do not recommend it.
Whoever first came up with "hand splashes", thank you. It has always been difficult to explain how exactly I count my stroke to someone else, and you came along and explained it clearly in two words.
For people who were interested in averages, I think I do 12 during DPS and up to 16 at the end of a hard sprint set.
I count hand splashes as well. That generally will not count that first pull on your breakout. Reason is, when you get to the far wall and turn, usually your hands are down at your side.
Good point. No idea how I forgot about turning.
I was coaching a new swimmers NOVA 101 clinic with our head coach Mike Collins when this exact question came up.
He explained that it is a good practice to count each stroke. It helps create the rhythym for the "weight shift" of the body rotation and stroke.
It caught me by surprise because I always used to count my right arm strokes and double it. Obviously I am not attached to exact stroke counts...
Even though I did make many radical and very good changes to my freestyle under the direct eye of Terry Laughlin.
Try to feel the rhythym (and weight shift) by counting each stroke... it works!
I think you need to be sort of careful because you can get carried away with trying to reduce stroke count. You only want to reduce stroke count in a manner that keeps your stroke efficient. This means keeping your arm connected to the core and not just reaching out as far as you can. I can take very few strokes per length if I keep my arm fully extended and pause between strokes while only kicking, but this isn't a fast way to swim.
Counting a cycle or per arm is up to you. As a coach I count each arm because an odd number always happens and one stroke per 25 is significant. I think it's up to you and your coach. Coach T.
Counting a cycle or per arm is up to you. As a coach I count each arm because an odd number always happens and one stroke per 25 is significant. I think it's up to you and your coach. Coach T.
I am currently self coached. so im on my own here. what is a general stroke count. ever since HS i've been the same 8.5 (botharm rotation=1 stroke).
