Swim smooth has an interesting pair of videos that makes the argument that minimizing strokes per length isn't the same thing as maximizing efficiency. Janet Evans and Laure Manaudou are cited as examples of swimmers with high strokes per length and a faster turnover. Elite triathletes with shorter strokes are also cited. The idea is not to advocate everyone use a shorter stroke but just to say that if a shorter stroke works for you don't throw that away in pursuit of lower strokes per length.
I wonder if swimming with a shorter stroke and higher turnover is analogous to using a lower gear when cycling (spinning versus grinding). People generally acknowledge that the optimal gear to use will vary from individual to individual. Extrapolating from that line of reasoning, perhaps elite swimmers using longer strokes do so because they have greater strength/more power that allows them to use a longer stroke/higher gear rather than because they worked on lengthening their strokes (although the two are clearly related).
YouTube- Swim Smooth: What Is An Efficient Freestyle Stroke? Part 1
YouTube- Swim Smooth: What Is An Efficient Freestyle Stroke? Part 2
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The efficiency of a swimming stroke is dependent upon many variables but some of the biggest variables are these:
1. Body size, height, weight, strength. The height of the person dictates the number of strokes they need to take to attain the same speed of someone taller (everything else being equal). The weight in proportion to the height takes on the same consequence (more rotund = more strokes).
2. Efficiency of the stroke itself. If the stroke pattern is efficient less strokes are needed to maintain the same speed (everything else being equal) and vice versa.
3. I do agree that some swimmers need to take more strokes to make up for other deficiencies. When everything is equal stroke efficiency is the trump card differentiating the best in the world from the rest of the world.
The efficiency of a swimming stroke is dependent upon many variables but some of the biggest variables are these:
1. Body size, height, weight, strength. The height of the person dictates the number of strokes they need to take to attain the same speed of someone taller (everything else being equal). The weight in proportion to the height takes on the same consequence (more rotund = more strokes).
2. Efficiency of the stroke itself. If the stroke pattern is efficient less strokes are needed to maintain the same speed (everything else being equal) and vice versa.
3. I do agree that some swimmers need to take more strokes to make up for other deficiencies. When everything is equal stroke efficiency is the trump card differentiating the best in the world from the rest of the world.
