I did cursory search on this; saw some discussions of how important it is to play the "golf" game to gain speed while maintaining length with stroke, BUT, how do you actually INCREASE the distance per stroke? I know there are drills, but when I actually swim I cannot seem to get a stronger pull or better alignment in the water to go faster with less effort.
Pull fast under the water? High early vertical forearm? Better rotation? None of these seem to get me fewer strokes. What do you think actually GETS you more distance?
And if there is a thread that addresses the getting of more distance, please forgive, and redirect me.
Probably one of the most difficult skills for a beginner to master...especially without access to a coach that can keep an eye out for things being done incorrectly.
I will say that to this day the single best drill I've found if catch up freestyle...I do it almost every single warm up right after diving in. I use the lines on the bottom of the pool(s) as a gauge rather counting strokes for this. I also think catch up free with paddles and swim sets with paddles can help not only correct angle problems but also help develop strength.
I also think a common mistake being made is that in an attempt to lengthen stroke a lot of people over rotate their hips. Hips need to remain as close to vertical as possible with the rotation coming from the core/front quadrant of the body.
Check this out: www.goswim.tv/.../freestyle---practice-the-catch.html
Probably one of the most difficult skills for a beginner to master...especially without access to a coach that can keep an eye out for things being done incorrectly.
I will say that to this day the single best drill I've found if catch up freestyle...I do it almost every single warm up right after diving in. I use the lines on the bottom of the pool(s) as a gauge rather counting strokes for this. I also think catch up free with paddles and swim sets with paddles can help not only correct angle problems but also help develop strength.
I also think a common mistake being made is that in an attempt to lengthen stroke a lot of people over rotate their hips. Hips need to remain as close to vertical as possible with the rotation coming from the core/front quadrant of the body.
Check this out: www.goswim.tv/.../freestyle---practice-the-catch.html
