I swam this morning at Asphalt Green in New York City. Every Sunday morning the pool is set up lengthwise - 50 meters. I love swimming long course meters.
As is my custom before I do my swim, I check out the pool. Who is working out today? Is there anything I can learn from some super swimmer showing up for a workout? What I did see was the same old same old hand flick.
You have probably read about shortening the back end of your stroke or creating a high elbow recovery and early hand entry in line with your shoulders. All of the correct stroke recovery mechanics are impossible if you flick your fingers back as you recover your arm.
You have all seen the hand flick. I did it for forty-five years. You notice it when you see someone's hand leave the water first (as opposed to last), water is splashed backward and the hand arcs above the elbow. Other obvious signs of the flick are hips going lateral, legs scissoring and arms crossing in front of the head on hand entry.
I consider hand flick a big error because it is the precursor of many other errors. Therefore, if it can be eliminated you will have a much a more efficient stroke.
How to - Finish your stroke at your hip with your palm facing backward. Release the stroke and allow your hand to face your body, palm inward. Let your shoulder lead the recovery, then elbow and finally hand. Keep your hand very close to the water as you bring it forward.
You have done drills which help facilitate the high elbow recovery. They include finger drag drill and Zipper drill.
The next time you go to your pool look around. You will see the flick.
DougStern
As is my custom before I do my swim, I check out the pool. Who is working out today? Is there anything I can learn from some super swimmer showing up for a workout? What I did see was the same old same old hand flick.
You have probably read about shortening the back end of your stroke or creating a high elbow recovery and early hand entry in line with your shoulders. All of the correct stroke recovery mechanics are impossible if you flick your fingers back as you recover your arm.
You have all seen the hand flick. I did it for forty-five years. You notice it when you see someone's hand leave the water first (as opposed to last), water is splashed backward and the hand arcs above the elbow. Other obvious signs of the flick are hips going lateral, legs scissoring and arms crossing in front of the head on hand entry.
I consider hand flick a big error because it is the precursor of many other errors. Therefore, if it can be eliminated you will have a much a more efficient stroke.
How to - Finish your stroke at your hip with your palm facing backward. Release the stroke and allow your hand to face your body, palm inward. Let your shoulder lead the recovery, then elbow and finally hand. Keep your hand very close to the water as you bring it forward.
You have done drills which help facilitate the high elbow recovery. They include finger drag drill and Zipper drill.
The next time you go to your pool look around. You will see the flick.
DougStern
