Much of what we emphasize in swimming technique at Sedona Race Pace Club involves being as streamlined as possible to create the least amount of drag. Body position, head position, and body roll are the three most fundamental ways to eliminate water resistance.
The way you breathe, kick, and place your hands in the water are also vital aspects. But reducing water resistance is only half the story of swimming fast: The rest of the story comes through having a powerful, efficient stroke propelling you forward.
Power—not just strength— is the driving force in swimming fast, according to USRPT’s founder Brent Rushall, Ph.D. Where strength involves developing force through mass and acceleration, power also adds distance and time into the equation.
Athletic power is so important to swimming that Rushall recommends spending twice as much time honing it as any of the other stroke components. The reason is that power comes down to the amount of useful work (propulsion) an athlete can do in the shortest amount of time. Combined with techniques to reduce water resistance through correct head and body position and breathing technique, this will significantly improve an athlete’s speed in the water.
The Power Phase
- Should feel increasingly faster and stronger as you develop acceleration
- Use horizontal propulsion with minimal vertical force
- Be the longest, most powerful part of the stroke
- Employ as many relevant muscles as possible for the most efficient and forceful energy
- Accelerate consistently through the entire range of movement
Want to develop more a more powerful stroke? Contact our head coach, Sean Emery at 928. 254.7765 or visit sedonaracepace.com to find out more!
Off the Wall 