smallard wrote:
So my big swim project for the off-season is to develop my catch, specifically the EVF (early vertical forearm) also known as high elbow catch.
I know *what* to do, I've watched a thousand YouTube videos, I just can't figure out *how* to do it. My arms just don't want to work that way. My elbow always drops and I pull with my upper arm too early so my forearm never gets vertical.
Can anybody offer any cues or visualizations to help me master this? Drills?
On the way home from the pool tonight, a friend told me to ensure my hand always enters the water thumb first. He said that forces me to rotate the shoulder thus setting my arm up for the EVF.
Does this make sense? I haven't tried it yet.
I've also heard the one about reaching over the hood of a car but that one makes no sense to me, HELP! Thanks!
Never heard the reaching over the hood of a car thing before but rather the visualization I've heard many times is to imagine a barrel in the water in front of you, and what you want to do is reach over the barrel and pull back with the vertical forearm. However, even this seems a bit of a stretch IMO. I think it best to stretch your arm out straight in front of you, then start pulling back and catching the water. The elbow will become vertical by itself if you are catching the water, and NOT letting it go (i.e., not dropping your elbow) until your hand passes under your hip. You should be able to feel the water rushing down your thigh onto your knee, and even on your upper shin if you are pulling properly. If you can feel this, then you're doing it right. TBH, it takes a bit of swim-specific strength to do the pull properly over and over and over again, so don't be surprised if your arms/shoulders are sore after your swim workout, and the next day. Just gotta keep doing it and in 6 months it will be second nature. :)
"Anyone can be who they want to be IF they have the HUNGER and the DRIVE."