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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My own rule-of-thumb for efficiency is that if I can cover a given distance at a given pace with less fatigue than I have previously, then I have become either biomechanically or biochemically more "efficient."
I like this. It follows that the ultimate measure of efficiency is race speed. If you have made a technique change that might be more efficient, test it by going all out for time. Since, with more efficiency, a given pace takes less out of you, you'll go faster at the limit of fatigue.
My own rule-of-thumb for efficiency is that if I can cover a given distance at a given pace with less fatigue than I have previously, then I have become either biomechanically or biochemically more "efficient."
I like this. It follows that the ultimate measure of efficiency is race speed. If you have made a technique change that might be more efficient, test it by going all out for time. Since, with more efficiency, a given pace takes less out of you, you'll go faster at the limit of fatigue.
