Stroke Mechanics and Training for your swim

Poor stroke mechanics can be he achilles heal of any swimmer. Long term, not only will poor mechanics slow you down, but it will injure you – so always take time to work mechanics when you are in the pool.

Some basics to start with:

Body roll – Freestyle swimming is more on your side then the chest – a good freestyler will roll side to side with each arm stroke. “Flat swimming,” or swimming with no body roll will look and feel like you are fighting your way through the water. One thing that is evident in a swimmer with no body roll is he or she will swim like a snake through the water. Body roll is essential to an efficient stroke.

Hand and arm recovery – on your recovery in freestyle the hand should always recover below your elbow – a good drill to practice is this the finger-tip drag where you will swim freestyle dragging your fingertips on the surface of the water on each arm recovery. This, coupled with proper body roll, will put your body and arms in the right position to swim more effortlessly and efficiently through the water for faster swim times at your next tri!

-Coach DK