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2016-07-18 2:50 PM


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Subject: Swim Video for review
I was hanging around my family's pool this weekend and thought I would take some video. I realize this isn't too ideal, since its a short pool, but I wanted to see if I could get any feedback from the more knowledgeable folks here on BT. Right off the bat I can tell I am not rotating enough and my catch needs some work. I actually had spent the weekend working on the catch after watching some youtube videos (Swim Smooth and some TI videos) and I think by yesterday I was really starting to get a better feel for having a high elbow and the feeling of pulling water back.

If you have a moment any tips would be appreciated!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGB9ckSApuo


2016-07-18 4:12 PM
in reply to: cdoug55


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Subject: RE: Swim Video for review

 There are technical things to be fixed. 

 

To be clear, while they should be fixed, even if you fixed all of them, you will get barely a 5sec/100 improvement in speed - that's just the reality of technique.

 

Good things:

- You're pretty flat in the water

- No fishtailing

- No big headbobbing

 

Things to fix:

- Underreaching on the extension - you want to reach far out and rotate the shoulder slightly forward to get maximal arm extension. It's particularly bad on your breath stroke - when you breath, your extended arm immediately drops. Keep it out there.

- Overrotating on the breath (corkscrew effect). Swim flatter (I know, counterintuitive, but it'll give you some speed.) You also can turn your head less on the breath.

- Can tighten the kick up -it's giving you some drag. Google "ankle band swim" to see a challenging and good drill swim to help fix this

- Dropping elbow on the catch, but that's expected in pretty much all non speedy swimmers.

 

Overall not bad! But by far your swim speed limiter is your limited stroke power. The arm turnover is slow, and the catch lacks force. Don't get fooled by folks who claim that you can drill your way to a great catch. You cannot  "technique"  your way to a powerful, efficient "early vertical forearm" catch that will propel you at sub 1:20/100 pace - you have to work hard to build the muscle and aerobic capacity to maintain it.  Gradually increase volume and speed during workouts while remembering the little things to fix above, and you'll improve, likely a lot.

 

 

2016-07-20 9:39 AM
in reply to: yazmaster


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Subject: RE: Swim Video for review
Thanks for the feedback! I will definitely work on those items. As I mentioned in my original post, I am definitely trying to work on the catch and I think I am making some progress with that, particularly after watching a few videos.
2016-07-20 10:35 AM
in reply to: cdoug55

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Subject: RE: Swim Video for review
Looks like you're not finishing your stroke. You want your hand to follow through

Here's a video that showcases (among other things) what I'm talking about: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SONx52cyltI
2016-08-09 2:29 PM
in reply to: Dunn Right


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Subject: RE: Swim Video for review
Sorry just catching up on this. Thanks for the video. I am pretty sure as I get fatigued my stroke shortens up, but I am guessing that is fairly common in newer swimmers. The one thing I took away from that video is that he doesn't begin his pull until recovering arm is almost in the water. I definitely think I suffer from some "windmilling" and need to get a bit more glide in there before starting my pull.

Anyone else have any pointers? Thanks for all the feedback guys.
2016-08-09 8:05 PM
in reply to: cdoug55


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Subject: RE: Swim Video for review
Originally posted by cdoug55

Sorry just catching up on this. Thanks for the video. I am pretty sure as I get fatigued my stroke shortens up, but I am guessing that is fairly common in newer swimmers. The one thing I took away from that video is that he doesn't begin his pull until recovering arm is almost in the water. I definitely think I suffer from some "windmilling" and need to get a bit more glide in there before starting my pull.

Anyone else have any pointers? Thanks for all the feedback guys.


Take what I have with a grain of salt because I'm no expert but your recovery and hand entry appear very deliberate. Maybe just because of the short pool? I've been working on relaxing my recovery arm because I get deliberate in my motions.

http://theraceclub.com/aqua-notes/the-magic-of-the-relaxed-wrist/

I read another article that said to think of it as a power cycle. Recovery = power off. Pull = power on.

And this is a nice 5 tips list.
http://www.usaswimming.org/ViewNewsArticle.aspx?TabId=1&itemid=5665...


2016-08-10 9:54 AM
in reply to: cdoug55

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Subject: RE: Swim Video for review
Originally posted by cdoug55

Sorry just catching up on this. Thanks for the video. I am pretty sure as I get fatigued my stroke shortens up, but I am guessing that is fairly common in newer swimmers. The one thing I took away from that video is that he doesn't begin his pull until recovering arm is almost in the water. I definitely think I suffer from some "windmilling" and need to get a bit more glide in there before starting my pull.

Anyone else have any pointers? Thanks for all the feedback guys.
[/QUOTE

My main comment was going to be about windmilling. Catchup drill should be your close friend. Touch-"n"go, touch-'n-go...
When you mention needing to glide more, (and I think I know what you mean) I would encourage you to mentally view it as more of a lunge than a coasting glide. I think that mental shift will make it more active.
2016-08-10 10:46 AM
in reply to: pwoolson


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Subject: RE: Swim Video for review
Thanks all.

Good article on the relaxed wrist. I think my recovery used to look more rigid, so I am trying to be more relaxed. Guess I could be even more relaxed hahaha.

I will definitely work on the catch up drill, I was thinking that after watching the Nathan Adrian video. Glide was probably not the best choice of words. So a think of it as a lunge forward with that lead arm?
2016-08-11 8:02 AM
in reply to: cdoug55

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Subject: RE: Swim Video for review
Yes, the visual of a lunge with the lead arm is a pretty good one. The term "glide" has only been deemed as "bad" in the last few years. Mostly because it takes the activity out of the stroke. But any of us over 40 were taught in swim lessons to stroke and glide, stroke and glide. Unlearning bad habits is tough.
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