HOW NOT TO SWIM FREESTYLE (TOP 4 FREESTYLE STROKE MISTAKES)
Sometimes, the best way to learn how to swim correctly is to see what not to do.
In this post, we will analyze a short video of a freestyler swimming in an endless pool. First, watch the video and try to spot the mistakes yourself. Then, read the breakdown below to see if you correctly identified some of the most common flaws in the freestyle stroke.
Dive Into: Analyzing 4 Common Freestyle Mistakes
- The Swimmer (🎥 Watch the Video)
- Mistake #1: Head Position is Too High
- Mistake #2: Crossover Hand Entry
- Mistake #3: Poor Hand Entry Angle
- Mistake #4: Lack of Reach and Extension
- What the Swimmer Did Well
- Frequently Asked Questions
The Swimmer (🎥 Watch the Video)
Let's get back to our front view freestyle video analysis.
I am not sure who this person is, but I'll point out a few obvious bad mistakes he is doing, so perhaps he will appreciate this review.
First, play the video all the way through and then play it again and try to figure out yourself what he is doing right and what he is doing wrong. After that, read below to see the entire analysis to see if you correctly identified some of the most common freestyle stroke technique mistakes.
Mistake #1: Head Position is Too High
Why is he looking at the camera?
His eyes should be pointing toward the bottom of the pool and his neck should not have any wrinkles.
Why do you need to look down? The answer is simple: to keep your feet elevated and therefore have less resistance when you swim through the water.
More information can be found in the body position post.
Mistake #2: Crossover Hand Entry
Imagine a line going through his body which would split him into two halves (right and left).
Now check out his hands and where they enter into the water. The hands should never reach over to the other half of the body (past the centerline).
This causes the swimmer to snake through the water instead of going in as streamlined of a position as possible.
As a side note, I'd also like to point out that his hand, when in the water, goes too far to the left when grabbing the water. He should concentrate on pulling more under his body, thus putting less stress on his shoulder.
Mistake #3: Poor Hand Entry Angle
From our view, the left hand is tilted with the palm out when it enters the water.
That shouldn't really happen. He could catch a lot more water if he would point his palm more toward the bottom of the pool.
Also, such a hand entry is the major cause of shoulder injuries, so be careful here.
Mistake #4: Lack of Reach and Extension
Stretch, stretch, stretch.
Check out how on some of the strokes his elbow is bent as soon as it enters the water. He is already starting his pull too early.
He should reach forward as far as possible to find his catch and roll a little more to each side in order to achieve this.
What the Swimmer Did Well
On the other hand, notice how he is keeping his head steady and only the shoulders rotate, this is a very good indication of a correct freestyle stroke.
I am sure you can think of a few more things that are wrong with this swimming video.
Please don't be shy to share them with me in the comments section.
To get you started on your way to effortless and efficient swimming, check out the introduction to better body and head position in the water while swimming freestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common and critical mistake in freestyle?
The most common mistake is lifting the head to look forward. This immediately causes your hips and legs to sink, creating a huge amount of drag. Your eyes should be looking directly down at the bottom of the pool.
What is a 'crossover' in freestyle and why is it bad?
A crossover is when your hand enters the water and crosses the centerline of your body. This causes your body to snake from side to side instead of moving in a straight line, wasting energy and killing your momentum.
How should my hand enter the water?
Your hand should enter with your fingertips first and your palm facing slightly to the back. Entering with your palm facing outward is inefficient and a major cause of shoulder injuries.
Why is it important to reach and extend forward?
A long, full extension at the front of your stroke is crucial. It sets up a powerful underwater pull and engages your body's rotation. An early bent elbow means you are cutting your stroke short and losing power.
What is an endless pool or swim flume?
It is a small pool that generates a current, allowing a swimmer to swim continuously in one place. It's an excellent tool for technique analysis because it allows for an uninterrupted view of the stroke.
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Comments (10)
I am not sure I fully agree with you about the fingers. Yes, in this video the fingers are bit too far apart when the swimmer enters the water up top. At the entry time your fingers should be relaxed, but together, you are right on the money here. However, when moving your hand through the water the fingers should be slightly apart instead of tightly stiffed together. You would be surprised, but you do get more of a pull if your fingers are a bit apart. :)
there is one thing I would like to ask you . When my arm enters the water it is straght and not bent at the elbow as it should be. I loose all rythem if I bent my arm. How should I counter this problem?
By the way, I think your blog is very useful for those who want to improve their swiming technique :-)
* Hand should enter the water parallel to the water surface
* Elbows drops a little bit much during the pull
* He 'puts on the brakes': while the arm extends to the front under water, the palms point 45° degrees up, so that the palms push water to the front
Any more? :-)