Case Study
In working with one of my athletes at the pool, I noticed an odd little twist of the left wrist. This motion seemed to slow her down, creating dead spots in her stroke. I gave her instruction on what I believed was going on but the hiccup persisted.
After a video stroke analysis, I detected the culprit was a habitual rotation of her left wrist, which minimized her catch, and her ability to hold on the water. After reviewing this analysis with her, she was able to get a clear understanding of what she needed to do to correct it.
First we had to address proper entry of her hands into the water during the reach phase. This helped minimize the bilateral imbalance. If her hands enter the water at an appropriate pitch, it helps her avoid pushing down on the water and sets her up for a successful catch.
Second, we created a center of concentration which revolved around the palm of her hand. This helped her feel the pressure within the palm of her hand throughout the entire cycle.
More is not better. Simply spending countless hours in the water hammering out lap after lap with the hope of creating and generating a more efficient stroke is not going to get it done. Einstein once said: "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."
The benefits of conducting a video stroke analysis are endless. The ability to identify the good, the bad, and yes, sometimes even the ugly is essential in creating the necessary technique to move efficiently and effectively through the water.
I define swimming as the ability to move from point A to point B in the most efficient and effective manner by minimizing drag and resistance. This is obtained by proper body positioning, balance, excellent breathing technique and proper timing. First you need to see it. Then you need to feel it to know what it takes to make it happen.
And, in order to make it happen, you need to follow the advice of Vince Lombardi who said: "Perfect practice makes perfect."