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.
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Yes, straight-arm recovery for me; no shoulder problems.
I have switched to a more straight arm recovery as well. My shoulders aren't hurting anymore. I have more of a side arm swing than an over the top swing.
I am able to swim comfortable again for various distances. Still working on gaining speed and endurance with the stroke but it is a lot better than when I was swimming with a high elbow style recovery
Yes, straight-arm recovery for me; no shoulder problems.
I have switched to a more straight arm recovery as well. My shoulders aren't hurting anymore. I have more of a side arm swing than an over the top swing.
I am able to swim comfortable again for various distances. Still working on gaining speed and endurance with the stroke but it is a lot better than when I was swimming with a high elbow style recovery
