I am assuming S is still the dominant pull pattern, but if you are using I, are you using it 100% of the time and for all distances?
I am not collecting this information for any purpose, just curious how the I pattern adoption is going along and what people think of it.
S Pattern: Entering close to the median line of the body, then sculling out before beginning the catch. At the catch the hand begins an inward sweep before turning outward somewhere mid torso with the hand underneath the body. The stroke finishes and exits the water on the final outward sweep. See picture.
I Pattern: The hand enters wide of the mid line of the body with no scull before the catch. From the catch to the finish is approximately a straight line.
The difference between S and I is S has phases in different directions while I tries to maintain a single direction the entire time.
lh5.ggpht.com/.../SANY0001.JPG
I have been using the "S" pattern for as long as I can remember. It feels as natural as chewing gum... However over the past 6 months I have been encouraged by my coaches to bring my elbow up higher, using my larger back muscles (and forearm) versus the shoulder, pulling in a straight back "I" pattern. By doing so I am confident it has has resulted in less stress on my shoulder-a very good thing considering my shoulder was showing signs of lasting fatigue/tendinitis following intense LCM summer workouts. However changing from S to I has also forced me to focus on my catch. With the S, it was natural to catch and sweep out slightly. With the I it is easier to "slip" if I do not engage right at the start of the stroke and if I forget to keep my elbow at the right angle. But it is almost second nature after a few months of technique drills.
I am very happy with the results so far. I believe using the stronger back (LAT) muscles compared to the smaller shoulder muscles has given me added power in my sprint events. I also have not had shoulder stress (but that could be a number of things...). I have started seeing the results in races as well - with a recent SCM 50 Free (TYR Chicago) very close to my lifetime best (24 years ago...). :2cents:
I have been using the "S" pattern for as long as I can remember. It feels as natural as chewing gum... However over the past 6 months I have been encouraged by my coaches to bring my elbow up higher, using my larger back muscles (and forearm) versus the shoulder, pulling in a straight back "I" pattern. By doing so I am confident it has has resulted in less stress on my shoulder-a very good thing considering my shoulder was showing signs of lasting fatigue/tendinitis following intense LCM summer workouts. However changing from S to I has also forced me to focus on my catch. With the S, it was natural to catch and sweep out slightly. With the I it is easier to "slip" if I do not engage right at the start of the stroke and if I forget to keep my elbow at the right angle. But it is almost second nature after a few months of technique drills.
I am very happy with the results so far. I believe using the stronger back (LAT) muscles compared to the smaller shoulder muscles has given me added power in my sprint events. I also have not had shoulder stress (but that could be a number of things...). I have started seeing the results in races as well - with a recent SCM 50 Free (TYR Chicago) very close to my lifetime best (24 years ago...). :2cents:
