Missed the memo about the changes in Backstroke ...
Former Member
Just did my second Swimetrics test last week and got the results. It's great stuff for my Freestyle and I got a lot of good feedback
-- this time, I also did my Backstroke and I think I must have missed out on the changes in backstroke technique. I am not totally clean on the pinky entry, so that's what I would have expected but then:
- I try to get to a 90 degree angle on my arm pull, which means my hands / fingers are pointing slightly up with the shoulder rotation -- apparently all wrong ... keep arm at about 120 degrees ?? Fingers pointing horizontal ... I tried that today and I reach soooo far into the other lane and oncoming traffic ...:bump:
- Then, I was taught kind of a downward swoop finishing the stroke off a little underneath my hip and then exiting the water. Well - that appears to be totally wrong (somehwat obvious when you see it .. I guess). :badday:
I had watched some underwater videos of Peirsol and I noticed this stuff - but I must have missed the boat somewhere in the last few decades...
// my right arm pull was "slower" than my left (was not sure why)
I had/have the same issue. The peak velocity was always higher during my left arm pull. I chalked it up to being a right-side breather only and therefore my left arm is more powerful (a relative term of course) because it has to do more work to support the body during breathing, for every practice, all year long. Not sure if you alternate.
Q, In terms of ability, I saw everyone up to Rowdy Gaines getting tests done at Clovis. If your focus is the 200 free, I can say it will help, especially if you are considering changing from the S to I-stroke. With your times I would think they'll be able to get past a lot of stuff you already know and focus on the finer points.
I started changing my freestyle after swim camps in 98 and 2000 (stanford). at first looking down more, head inline, no s pull. i asked if i pull straight back how will i go forward, the answer was. if you rotate it will take care of itself.
Lezak and other strong swimmers can get away with wider pulls,bubbles, etc. but the average person cannot. I keep my hand in front move than i used too, my masters coach is an age group coach as well and this is what the kids are learning.
Breaststroke has evolved from flat , to high recovery ala amanda beard and now not so high but still wave like ala shanteau and hansen.
Fly - you breath much closer to the water. than i was originally taught. makes sense as less shoulder stress.
whatever works for one person, may not work for another. different strengths and abilities. if it isn't broken, don't fix it.
I'm not broken, but a lot of people are going faster.
Right. If my car should be getting 30mpg and it's only getting 25, I consider it broken and in need of some fixin'.
Just did my second Swimetrics test last week and got the results. It's great stuff for my Freestyle and I got a lot of good feedback
.
Hoch, did you change your freestyle after your first session, and did you see different results on your second session?
Right. If my car should be getting 30mpg and it's only getting 25, I consider it broken and in need of some fixin'.
My car needs a new larger engine, carbon fiber body panels, an aluminum frame and racing tires just to compete with some of the classics that roll through here.
Hoch, did you change your freestyle after your first session, and did you see different results on your second session?
Yes - I did make some adjustments and Yes I could see the difference -- But, I got about 5 new things to work on .....
First time - my head was a little too high // I did have a small S-type stroke // elbows could catch a little higher // my right arm pull was "slower" than my left (was not sure why)
You can't fix it all at once - I did focus on the head - and it go better + I tried to get rid of the S and that got better.
I can still catch a little higher and this time around I got the video from the other side -- my breathing side. I open up my rotation a little too much on my breathing side - that is why my right arm pull is slower.
But the proof is in the pudding and the pudding is being made this weekend at our Regional meet:)
