Why do some people put their hand underwater then stretch their arm out, under water, then pull?
Because that’s not what it feels like.
I really try to “reach” and then pull (hush DD). Then I watched video of what
I actually do and my hand stretches underwater.
-Jot
I do that, not sure why. I guess it’s just how I learned and it works for me. I don’t have a swimming background though, so it could be poor technique. 
I’m faster now that I do it this way though.
well you don’t have to reach all the way out 
.
what is considered to be the correct way to do this?
I don’t know but pushing forward underwater seems like it would produce drag.
I was watching this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=om48QTqzUhE&NR=1
and I don’t see anyone with their hand entering the water at their “goggle line.” They’re all reaching way the heck forward. They may extend a little more underwater, but not much.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8RrtppCAeM
How about her? I know nothing which is probably why I think it is weird.
It may produce a little bit of drag, BUT it’s a fairly minor problem if the person is still rotating at the shoulders/hips and getting the full extension of the arm.
That said, if the person is NOT reaching once their hand enters the water, they lose the entire “front quadrant” of the stroke. Then it’s a problem.
The thinking for a lot of coaches for the past 30 years or so was that you do not push straight out once you enter early, but out and down. It was felt that there is a lift in this movement, much like an airplane wing, so it was thought that by lifting your body it would help move it foreward. The other benifit to entering early is to get the trapped air off your hand. The less air, the more effective the pull phase. For some people they need more time with their hand in the water to get rid of those bubbles…That was the old thinking…
What is becoming apparent today is that for most it is better to reach out over the water and begin the catch phase earlier. You can play with your hand entry to minimize the trapped air and try different sweeping movenemts out to grab the most clean water. I have grown up and been part of 3 different stroke revolutions now, and having tried the new method and watching todays great distance swimmers, I’ve come to the conclusion this is indeed the right way to swim distance freestyle int eh OW…
Hope that helps. When there are changes to anything we do, sometimes it takes quite awhile for it to take hold and filter down to the masses…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8RrtppCAeM
How about her? I know nothing which is probably why I think it is weird.
Cripes, what was the point of that video?
Monty, isn’t it real tough on your shoulders if your catch is too far out in front?
I’ve never heard that before. You want to get out in front as far as possible, using all your lenght and body/shoulder roll. In good swimmers I have never heard of shoulder problems doing that properly. But I’m a guy that can pull whole workouts with trash can lids without any shoulder issues too. I’ve known some great swimmers, usually women, who put on any little paddle and have some problems, but not usually while just using their hands…
My right shoulder aches after long swims until after I recently adjusted my stroke. I think trying to extend your reach may, in some people, cause their hand to enter across the centerline. I think this is what I’ve been doing. That and the associated pull have been stressing my shoulder. I now don’t reach so far and am conscious of entering my hand more directly in front of my shoulder. My pull is also now a good distance away from my centerline which makes me feel like I swim like a crab. I don’t pull as far now, either, but I have increased my turnover. The end result is I feel I can swim forever and I am moving faster - bringing my end of workout, off-the-wall 100 free from 1:04 to 1:01. My feet also don’t cross each other as much, a problem I’ve always had.
Isn’t that a TI technique, having to do with creating a longer “vessel” in the water, and thereby reducing drag?
Also better for balance, as in getting your feet/legs up.
I agree with the “balance” statement. Keeping your hand out of the water sinks you. Also, might be less stable in open water.
she’s looking for a hug - whether she realizes it or not…
No, no, no, no, it’s just poor technique. Putting your hand in the water short and extending forward is bad, and usually the result of poor posture or not enough shoulder/body roll (which are a function of each other). I don’t have time to get into a huge discussion about it, but it’s just poor technique. The baby Jesus cries everytime someone swims like that…
You want a long reach (above/outside the water), hand in the water, EVF, pull back, body roll, long full pull, (very brief) glide. Wash, rinse, repeat.
I’m not sure what the point was, but if she can keep up with the faster swimmers at her masters group, that must be one hell of a slow masters group.