Solving the Speed Problem Video - Q&A with Terry (Page 2)

I don't think the debate would last very long because the purpose of a high elbow catch IS to reduce drag. It's not because it is a powerful catch.

When considering the drag forces that result from different ways of pulling with the arm underwater, one must really concentrate on what is happening with the upper arm, more than the lower arm. It turns out that when one decides to pull deep with the pull, the upper arm gets off axis immediately and the drag coefficient of the swimmer skyrockets. Pulling with the early vertical forearm position keeps the upper arm more in the line of motion of the swimmer at the beginning of the pull. When the swimmer is finally forced to sweep the upper arm to the side for the recovery, the upper arm remains in the unfavorable drag position for a shorter period of time. Remember, tenths of seconds in unfavorable drag positions are enough to nearly stop us in the water. Gary Hall Sr

Article and video here

Terry,

Thanks for this video, even as a long-time swimmer I have found your suggestions helpful to keep in mind while in the pool and that has made my training more focused. I have been running into one problem concerning head angle though. I have always looked forward while swimming freestyle, probably originating from not wanting to get kicked in the face at practice. I have been focusing on keeping my head down and looking at the bottom of the pool during my last few swim workouts, but it makes my arm recovery motion seem unnatural and I feel like I'm snaking. Am I putting my head down too far, or am I just not used to this technique yet? I know it's hard to answer without actually seeing my stroke, but any advice you could offer would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!