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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I guess that the interesting point for me was that, as you say, a more efficient stroke will result in fewer strokes per length but at the same time fewer strokes per length is not necessarily more efficient in terms of effort.
I wonder if some people are physiologically better able to use a stroke with a higher turnover in the same way that I would expect that a lower gear would work better for one person where someone else would do better one gear up in cycling.
I guess that the interesting point for me was that, as you say, a more efficient stroke will result in fewer strokes per length but at the same time fewer strokes per length is not necessarily more efficient in terms of effort.
I wonder if some people are physiologically better able to use a stroke with a higher turnover in the same way that I would expect that a lower gear would work better for one person where someone else would do better one gear up in cycling.
