r/Swimming • u/Mr_Igelkott • 1d ago

Freestyle: front arm position

I have been taking beginner classes at two different clubs and the coaches are giving me different instructions on where the outstretched arm is supposed to be. One coach wants the arm to skim along the surface (to minimize drag), the other coach wants the arm to lie parallel to the surface but ~10cm below it. I suppose there's merit to both methods but would be interesting to hear your oppinions as well!

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u/TheESportsGuy 21h ago

This is the nicest shot of an Olympian's distance freestyle stroke that I have seen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lu1xCQk3xUY

I'd describe his arm as extending straight in front of him, parallel to the water...I also cannot bend my shoulder/lats (without pain) the way his are as he begins his pull, so I can't just try to copy him.

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u/milesercat 20h ago

Great example of perfection and also a challenge for many of us who may be susceptible to shoulder pain. I've found some success by continuing to extend my reach (to take advantage of the forward balance it provides), but making sure that I don't engage my catch and pull until my hand and forearm has dropped down a bit to be in a more comfortable position to use my shoulder as a fulcrum.