I was cruising the Internet last night and somehow got on the subject of straight-arm recovery (SAR). You know, like Janet Evans and a few other prominent swimmers. The most recent being YouTube - Swimming - Go Swim Straight Arm Freestyle with Scott Tucker.
From what I read, SAR may help to reduce shoulder strain in older swimmers (i.e., me) and those with less flexible shoulders, so I gave it a try this morning just for fun.
I have to say, I like it better than high-elbow. I did several 25 sprints using both techniques and found I wasn't any slower using SAR, and I might actually be slightly faster.
The thing I was really struck with is how effortless it felt to swim SAR as compared to high-elbow (for me anyway), and I also found my pull to be more complete. With high-elbow, I have a tendency to shorten my stroke a little bit and not follow-through completely. With SAR, this isn't the case for me.
I was just curious as to how many others in Masters-land regularly swim using straight-arm recovery.
Hey there, Deb! Check out this link to a previous thread on "Scapular Swimming".
Scapular swimming - U.S. Masters Swimming Discussion Forums
This is the swimming technique my part-time coach has been working with me on, because of my past shoulder injury/surgery. Take a look at the thread, because there is a link describing the proper technique for fly, as well. And, I know you are swimming a lot more fly these days! Basically, to cut to the chase, make sure you keep your arms within your peripheral vision in the recovery. Otherwise, your recovery is too high, putting additional stress on your shoulders.
Anyway, in my opinion, you are smart to do what you can to protect your shoulders. Afterall, we're not getting any younger! :cane:
Good luck!
:cheerleader:
P.S. Drop me a PM and fill me in on the latest! :)
Hey there, Deb! Check out this link to a previous thread on "Scapular Swimming".
Scapular swimming - U.S. Masters Swimming Discussion Forums
This is the swimming technique my part-time coach has been working with me on, because of my past shoulder injury/surgery. Take a look at the thread, because there is a link describing the proper technique for fly, as well. And, I know you are swimming a lot more fly these days! Basically, to cut to the chase, make sure you keep your arms within your peripheral vision in the recovery. Otherwise, your recovery is too high, putting additional stress on your shoulders.
Anyway, in my opinion, you are smart to do what you can to protect your shoulders. Afterall, we're not getting any younger! :cane:
Good luck!
:cheerleader:
P.S. Drop me a PM and fill me in on the latest! :)
