Hand position in Freestyle-Open or closed fingers?
Former Member
I have always kept my fingers together so that my hand approximates a paddle during my pull. Should I be opening my fingers a bit to increase the surface area? It might also keep the tension a bit lower in my hands and arms durung the pull.
Your input is greatly appreciated.
Rob
I have kept my fingers closer & my thumb close, but not tight.
Former Member
Hands should be relaxed, not tense, and never cupped.
Most swimmers have a very distinct separation of their thumb and hand.
The extended thumb does increase the surface area.
But that's about the only digit that you'll see wide apart.
IwvtuHya40g
Former Member
Quicksilver,
That video was perfect. I keep my hands pretty much like that, minus the world class speed of course......
Thanks,
Rob
Former Member
You're welcome.
Popov shows a very relaxed hand, thumb apart, and a narrow gap between the fingers.
It's best illustrated right around 1:35 in this clip.
CIzBaSiWdRA
Former Member
I have always kept my fingers a bit apart. Thumb in a natural position.
Is that hand relaxed?
Great video.
To try and answer your question. It's not cupped or clenched tight.
Former Member
Over my masters coaching career, I've noticed the cupped hand syndrome amongst newbies, those who may have had a bit of summer club/High School experience 20 years ago and are now returning to the sport and that group who decided to participate in that Bicycling/Running sport that uses swimming as a warm-up. What is interesting is the high percentage of disbelief to my suggestion to relax there hand on the pull. Inevitably a friend or an old High School coach told them to cup there hand and for some reason, as compared to other stroke suggestions, there seems to be a reluctance to give it up.
