Hip driven or shoulder driven? The reason I ask is that I'm a shoulder driven sprinter but have a more hip driven stroke in the 200.
I've been trying to find some speed from a hip driven stroke but so far have just not been able to come close (24.3 scy hip driven vs 23.1 shoulder driven). Is one inherently better than the other? If so, why?
Can one utilize both techniques depending on the race? Is it possible to have an effective shoulder driven sprint stroke and an effective hip driven distance stroke?
Chris Vaanderkay mentioned he's starting to focus on sprinting now using more of a shoulder driven style than the hip version he uses in distance. So there ya have it I guess.
Phelps tried the same thing for his 100 free and look how well that turned out...
There are a LOT of factors that go into making a stroke change from hip driven to shoulder driven...and honestly I'm pretty skeptical of how successful adult/masters swimmers will be who try to make it. Bottom line is it can be a very frustrating experience slowing down and trying re-learn something...espcially for all thos folks who will already be in a deep depression over their times when they have to go reto with the suit changes in 2010! :)
George..I simply don't understand how you can downplay kick so much when you see the number of eltite athletes like Phelps, Lochte, Coughlin, etc. who have clearly demonstrated how powerful a kick can be...does it generate more power than the upper body? I would say yes for these types of swimmers because they actually move faster underwater than on top...but for the vast majority of "mortals" out there that never develop it or have limitations with flexibility or body type that limit its effectiveness you would be correct.
Chris Vaanderkay mentioned he's starting to focus on sprinting now using more of a shoulder driven style than the hip version he uses in distance. So there ya have it I guess.
Phelps tried the same thing for his 100 free and look how well that turned out...
There are a LOT of factors that go into making a stroke change from hip driven to shoulder driven...and honestly I'm pretty skeptical of how successful adult/masters swimmers will be who try to make it. Bottom line is it can be a very frustrating experience slowing down and trying re-learn something...espcially for all thos folks who will already be in a deep depression over their times when they have to go reto with the suit changes in 2010! :)
George..I simply don't understand how you can downplay kick so much when you see the number of eltite athletes like Phelps, Lochte, Coughlin, etc. who have clearly demonstrated how powerful a kick can be...does it generate more power than the upper body? I would say yes for these types of swimmers because they actually move faster underwater than on top...but for the vast majority of "mortals" out there that never develop it or have limitations with flexibility or body type that limit its effectiveness you would be correct.
