Where should my arm be?

griffin100

A quick question about front crawl breathing. If I am turning to the right to breath should my left arm be extended and straight just below the surface or should it have started its sweep back?

BendiBus

Whatever works for you I'd think.

But thinking of my swim this evening, my left arm would be outstreched and, while raising my right elbow to bring my right arm forward, I'd be rolling slightly to the right and turning my head slightly further to the right to get a breath.

My left arm would stay extended until my right hand was passing my head so I'd have taken a full breath before sweeping my left arm back.

At least that's what I think I do

griffin100

Cheers for that. I think I am starting my sweep back way too early causing me both shoulder problems and loss of speed. I must work harder!!

interested

griffin100 wrote: »

Cheers for that. I think I am starting my sweep back way too early causing me both shoulder problems and loss of speed. I must work harder!!

useful drill for most can be seen here
http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=6AcfrZ51sf0&feature=related

The video is showing a single arm drill ... it can be done with both arms (and has lots of names, catchup was the one I used) - but an exaggerated pause before starting pull with either arm helps things like
improves your concentration on keeping fingers together, pull all the way down to your hip etc, maybe even help with keeping your head steadier.
Important bit is keep kicking

- also, you will go slower when doing this sort of drill - but the benefits when you go to do a faster set should be seen if you're doing the drill right.

Hope it helps

AngryHippie

Leave a slight gap between your fingers, about enough to hold a cigarette between each finger, the water can't get through fast enough, it effectively increases your "paddle" size, Do some sculling work to find the optimum for your hand.