Went to a practice yesterday for the first time. The coach discovered my hands are crossing over in front, which really explains alot of the problems I have with position.
Is this a simple thing to fix?
Are there any good drills for correcting this?
Is crossing hands the primary problem, or a symptom of another problem?
Another thing, I learned freestyle while avoiding a vulnerable position for my left shoulder. Reaching or stretching straight forward while dropping my shoulder down will pop it out of socket (it's not fun when this happens and it's never the same after). I think this might be a factor to my stroke problem since I naturally protect it, but is this vulnerable position required to become a good freestyler? I can reach forward and stretch, I just cant drop the shoulder untill my arm is at least 20˚ closer to body.
Thank you
I've been practicing a catch-up drill where I hold a 12 x 2" peice of hard foam in front to catch it with the opposing hand, using a solid 4 beat to maintain momentum.
Result: 50's and 100's both are 1-4 seconds quicker during intervals.
I also subconsciously keep hands outside line and feel more water pressure on hands, and my shoulder is not bugging me.
One thing, while doing the drill, after my breath I quickly sink as my head looks down. Might be wrong rotation or a sign of a loss of streamline with a breath. Like my breathing position acts as a speed brake then I sink. I need to work on streamlined breathing. Even though this happens with the drill, it might be going on with normal swimming. I'll focus some on that.
But thanks again for the the tips everyone, I feel I made more progress in just two swims than I ever have.
I've been practicing a catch-up drill where I hold a 12 x 2" peice of hard foam in front to catch it with the opposing hand, using a solid 4 beat to maintain momentum.
Result: 50's and 100's both are 1-4 seconds quicker during intervals.
I also subconsciously keep hands outside line and feel more water pressure on hands, and my shoulder is not bugging me.
One thing, while doing the drill, after my breath I quickly sink as my head looks down. Might be wrong rotation or a sign of a loss of streamline with a breath. Like my breathing position acts as a speed brake then I sink. I need to work on streamlined breathing. Even though this happens with the drill, it might be going on with normal swimming. I'll focus some on that.
But thanks again for the the tips everyone, I feel I made more progress in just two swims than I ever have.
