There is a misconception with many swimmers that the stronger their body is the more powerful their swim stroke will be. While this is an important factor in your performance, it is not the most important factor. The most important factor is the manner in which you are performing your stroke. This includes paying attention to the way your hand enters the water, the way your hand moves through the water, how your legs move and the breaths you take. All of these factors are highly important to having the best performance possible.
How the Hand Enters the Water
A sloppy swim stroke is easy to see because there will be a big splash and a loud noise every time a hand enters the water. The idea is not to just get the hand in the water so you can pull. The idea is to get your hand in the water in the most effective manner possible so you can get the most out of the stroke. To start, your fingers should all be together and your hand should be stiff. Point your hand so it enters the water fingers first and thumb pointed down. This will put your hand in the perfect position to start your stroke.
The Powerful S-Stroke
Now that your hand is in the water, it is time to create the power which will propel you through the water. This is done by making sure your hand is always meeting resistance in the water. Do not simply drag your hand through the water as you will lose resistance after the first foot or two. Instead, start by pushing your hand out and down until it is just outside your shoulder. Next, draw your hand in towards your stomach and groin. Last, push your hand back out towards your hip and beyond. Your hand should come out of the water pinky first.
The Most Effective Kick
Backing the power of the right swim stroke is possible when you have the right kick. This means making sure you pay proper attention to where your legs are at all times. Your thighs should always remain as close together as possible. When your legs split apart too far, you end up creating drag. Using a floater will help you train yourself to keep your legs together. The majority of the movement will come from the knees and the ankles. The toes should always be together to create the closest you will ever come to a flipper.
Breathing Correctly
Breathing is something you normally do not have to think about. For a good swim stroke however, the right breathing technique makes all the difference. Do not take a breath every chance you get. This will cause quite a bit of drag. Instead, breathe every other stroke if possible. The longer you can go without breathing, the less drag you will create. You are better off taking a full breath when you get a chance rather than taking gulps of air.
Photo Credits: kenoncjones
Originally posted 2010-04-01 10:20:45. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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