Freestyle body rotation/getting power from the hips

I think Popov is a terrible example for mortals to follow. First of all he is 6'6" and 200lbs, secondly he had extreem shoulder flexibility, and most importanly he had the time to practice 10,000 yds for a workout. I strongly disagree with you here, but I guess it's a matter of interpretation. In fact, among most top level swimmers, I believe that Popov's technique is probably what suit us, mortals, the most. One key element in his technique is that he limits the dead spot in the front, which allows for a completely unloaded catch to be taken. Grant Hackett is, in my opinion, an example to avoid. Very few of us can achieve this level of EVF whilst maintaining such a longish glide in the front. Do I need to strighten out from waist to leg? Here's a clip: YouTube- 2010_02250003.WMV No I don't think so. In fact, from the little bit that I can see from this clip, and if you're confirming me that this technique has no side effect on your shoulders, this form is near (very near) perfection. Here.... this short clip here shows a very healthy free style technique. Notice how the left shoulder articulation gets locked on left arm entry. He is very clearly putting some of the downward body rotation weight on hand entry catch. Given the locked shoulder, that works perfectly. Very easy to achieve with a wetsuit too. Notice how any dead spot is being eliminated. The EVF level is kept well within what we Master can achieve. In fact, on his left arm (he's a right side breather), there's no trace of EVF at all. And it's fine. Free style doesn't have to be made symmetrical. EVF level can (and in my humble opinion *should*) vary depending on the role given to each arm. That of course, doesn't apply to pure bilateral breathers (which are kind of rare among males at this level). Alexander Popov YouTube- Alexander Popov Freestyle Stroke Technique

I think Popov is a terrible example for mortals to follow. First of all he is 6'6" and 200lbs, secondly he had extreem shoulder flexibility, and most importanly he had the time to practice 10,000 yds for a workout. I strongly disagree with you here, but I guess it's a matter of interpretation. In fact, among most top level swimmers, I believe that Popov's technique is probably what suit us, mortals, the most. One key element in his technique is that he limits the dead spot in the front, which allows for a completely unloaded catch to be taken. Grant Hackett is, in my opinion, an example to avoid. Very few of us can achieve this level of EVF whilst maintaining such a longish glide in the front. Do I need to strighten out from waist to leg? Here's a clip: YouTube- 2010_02250003.WMV No I don't think so. In fact, from the little bit that I can see from this clip, and if you're confirming me that this technique has no side effect on your shoulders, this form is near (very near) perfection. Here.... this short clip here shows a very healthy free style technique. Notice how the left shoulder articulation gets locked on left arm entry. He is very clearly putting some of the downward body rotation weight on hand entry catch. Given the locked shoulder, that works perfectly. Very easy to achieve with a wetsuit too. Notice how any dead spot is being eliminated. The EVF level is kept well within what we Master can achieve. In fact, on his left arm (he's a right side breather), there's no trace of EVF at all. And it's fine. Free style doesn't have to be made symmetrical. EVF level can (and in my humble opinion *should*) vary depending on the role given to each arm. That of course, doesn't apply to pure bilateral breathers (which are kind of rare among males at this level). Alexander Popov YouTube- Alexander Popov Freestyle Stroke Technique