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Apr. 2, 2024 - Teaching Freestyle - Part 3 (Upper-Body Edition)

In “Teaching Freestyle – Part 1,” we shared our favorite progression for teaching freestyle from the ground up (fundamentals like air exchange, balance, body alignment, ease and comfort in the water). In Part 2, we covered some of the key concepts that every swimmer should understand and master: head/neck alignment, where to look, how to breathe, sculling and Early Vertical Forearm (EVF). This week, in Part 3, we cover more key concepts, those involving the arms. Monday Better Freestyle Concepts: Arm Recovery (Recovery Variation Drill) Straight-arm or bent-arm recovery? It’s not about using one or the other. Every swimmer should know how (and when) to use both styles. This drill helps you experiment. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3042-recovery-variation-drill> :03 - fingertip :06 - relaxed recovery :09 - straight arm :14 - purposeful and thinking :18 - precise movements :22 - not mindless warmup, but swimming with purpose :34 - fingertip :37 - relaxed :39 - straight arm 1:00 - from straight arm back to fingertip Tuesday Freestyle - Eyes Up Catch There’s no easier way to know if you’re catching the water correctly than SEEING it. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2394-freestyle-eyes-up-catch> :08 - head in a high position :08 - isolate the upper arm :10 - isolate the upper arm and get into the catch position :18 - using paddles to give more surface area - works both sides of the paddle :20 - dropping the hand into the still water :21.9 - beautiful position :25.30 - feel him climbing forward :26 - climbing forward :36 - watch the hands :44 - watch the hands 1:01 - high eyes 1:02 - start to lower the eyes 1:14 - head back in swimming position Wednesday Better Freestyle Concepts: Hand Entry The big idea on freestyle hand entry: 1) Pierce the water for a clean entry free of bubbles and turbulence. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3033-hand-entry> :05 - fingers first :07 - fingers first :08 - fingers then inner elbow :10 - “smash” the inner elbow :22 - fingers first then extend :24 - clean hand :28 - extend to drop the air :34 - air falls away if body is balanced :40 - clean hand :42 - clean hand :51 - fingers in :52 - extend in balance 1:04 - clean hands Thursday Better Freestyle Concepts: Extend Front to Back This is swimming…but with intense focus on the key concepts of extension and rotation. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3018-extend-front-to-back> :05 - extend in front :06 - extend in back :07 - extend in back :20 - full range of motion :26 - beautiful image of end to end swimming :45 - slice exit 1:11 - where in relation to the suit do you finish Friday Better Freestyle Concepts: Connect Hands to Hips The big idea: Don’t swim with just your arms. Swim with your entire body by connecting hands to hips. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3032-connect-hands-to-the-hips> :05 - end to end swimming with rotation :11 - connect the arm and rotate it back :24 - arm and body moving together :28 - little more delay on the left arm :30 - sooner connection with the right :49 - determine the relationshiop between the arm and hips and the timing :49 - watch how the arm and body are connected :52 - where is the arm when the hips move? 1:00 - connect 1:03 - connect 1:07 - connect Saturday Better Freestyle Concepts: Keep the Wrists Straight Make sure you don’t bend your wrist when initiating the pull. It’s a small thing, but gives you a better pulling surface. And…it applies to all four strokes, not just freestyle. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3022-keep-the-wrists-straight> :05 - create the ledge :09 - create the flat surface :12 - straight line catch :26 - the subtle feel to NOT break the wrist :38 - flattening the line with paddles :41 - look at the space between the paddle and arm :41 - water pressure pushes the paddle :44 - keeping the wrist and forearm straight :53 - hold the paddle tight 1:02 - try to memorize the position 1:10 - keep the wrist straight and use the entire arm Sunday Better Freestyle Concepts: Pull from Inside the Elbow Major freestyle concept (flashing red light): Keep the elbow high throughout the pull. Here’s a focus point that helps you accomplish this key skill. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3023-pull-from-inside-the-elbow> :05 - create the largest surface :08 - harness the biggest muscles :15 - even a straighter arm should use the whole arm :26 - connection :43 - isolation of the upper arm

Mar. 12, 2024 - How to Coach Backstroke After Teaching the Basics

How to Coach Backstroke After Teaching the Basics After you’ve done the hard work of TEACHING backstroke from scratch…after they’ve mastered the basics of being horizontal on the back, having a productive flutter kick, and being comfortable with backstroke arm action…how do you take your swimmers to the next level? This week we explore the key focus points for backstroke. If you learn to look for these things in your swimmers, and work on teaching these key concepts, you can turn your swimmers into backstrokers. Monday Better Backstroke Concepts: 10 And 2 Hand Entry The most common technique flaw in backstroke is “over-reaching.” Swimmers often aren’t aware that they need to make a correction, so it’s up the coach to teach a “10 and 2” hand entry. Here’s how. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3044-10-and-2-hand-entry> :00 - great visual of how it’s supposed to look :06 - never forget the overall balanced line :17 - knowing how to film :31 - from under you may feel some resistance in this position :51 - hyperextended elbows :55 - make adjustments based on physiology Tuesday Better Backstroke Concepts: Thumb Out Pinky In Teach your swimmers not just the HOW of “thumb out, pinky in” but also the WHY. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3045-thumb-out-pinky-in> :05 - Pinky slices in :14 - why I’d change this straight arm initiation :16 - better pull :17 - old school teaching :20 - proper hand exit :17 - show the hand having to turn over :20 - show the hand finishing and having a direct path out :23 - pinky in puts the body into a good position to initiate the catch :24 - thumb out simplifies the process :35 - thumb out with rotation :37 - relaxed exit with the thumb leading :39 - such an easy teaching point - accentuate the thumb :52 - get the athlete to focus on a definitive turn of the hand halfway through the recovery :53 - HA! Even with the focus… :55 - pinky slice :57 - need to work on this side - over-reach as well :59 - fine on the right side 1:01 - face palm 1:03 - pinky in first 1:05 - pinky in first 1:07 - uh oh - sometimes when it’s too soft, the hesitation of rotation can cause issues Wednesday Better Backstroke Concepts: Where to Look Where a swimmer’s eyes are looking can have a huge impact on backstroke bodyline and power. Ideal is to train the eyes on the ceiling directly above the feet. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3046-where-to-look> :06 - very stable - slight head tilt :08 - loo for the orientation of the waterline and face - pretty flat :10 - great shoulder rotation :13 - very stable head - eyes looking up and slightly back :14 - timing the breath :17 - eyes looking back slightly over the body :21 - clear image of the head slightly back :21 - watch the nose for the next few seconds - protected :24.9 - timing the breath on the initiation of the recovery of the right shoulder :31 - less tilt but still a slight chin tuck :32 - precarious position - but think about water flow and velocity :33 - not as much rotation so more shoulder disruption :35 - breath timing at the beginning of the recovery :36 - by the time the water splashes over, the mouth is closed again :40 - water going into the mouth :43 - mouth open for a breath :43 - watch how he expels it :47 - can see the chin tuck angle :52 - eyes looking slightly back Thursday Better Backstroke Concepts: Stable Head (Cup on Forehead) Watch any elite backstroker and one of the first things you notice is that their head remains stable and rock solid. Here’s the classic – and fun – way to imprint this key skill. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3047-cup-on-forehead> :04 - hand down by your side - gentle slow kick :09 - focus on stability :17 - how much water in the cup? :30 - initiate rotation of the shoulders :33 - I do consider it “cheating” a bit when the hand sculls for stabilization :40 - To challenge more, rotate only with the core, not the hands :46 - extend one of the arms :51 - start taking slow - stable strokes :56 - finding the right weight 1:01 - don’t push off too hard 1:02 - start swimming full stroke back 1:20 - how fast can you go - get a heavier cup Katie <https://youtu.be/16tGOwlwy7E?si=q4238PvQ3yMJohJY> Friday Better Backstroke Concepts: Bent-Arm Pull (Backstroke Scull) Beginning backstrokers tend to pull with a straight arm. Watch for this as a coach, and try to teach a bent-arm pull as soon as possible in the learning process. Here’s a great drill for helping swimmers get a feel for the backstroke bent-arm pull. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3049-backstroke-scull> :04 - look at the arm in the catch position - EVF :06 - turn the face down :10 - rotated - head stable - arm in catch position :13.26 - THE position :30 - getting the arm into position :35 - only the bottom part of the arm moves :38 - the position we want Saturday Better Backstroke Concepts: Rotation (Connect Hip and Hand) In freestyle and backstroke, always fight the urge to swim flat – and with just with the arms. Here’s how to link the hands and hips for a more powerful and “coordinated” backstroke. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3054-connect-hips-and-hand> :04 - hand down hip down :05 - hand down hip down :08 - directly into the catch :09 - straight line from one shoulder to the other :15 - when in power, a straight line from one shoulder to the other :19 - hand down hip down :22 - when the entry is too soft, or too slow… it’s flat then he rotates :26 - better to this side :38 - watch the hand entry and the entire body - shoulders - torso - hips rotate together :39 - stays on her side to initiate the recovery and the catch - line from shoulder to shoulder :41 - This is what we’re trying to avoid in most swimmers - elbow behind the shoulderline :46 - slow on left side :48 - better on right side :48 .7 - great on power phase :50 - with less rotation - arm is straighter Sunday Better Backstroke Concepts: Constant Kick (Flow the Kick) The backstroke kick should be constant and gentle, narrow and flowing. Aim for a 6-beat kick that helps the body rotate from one hip to the other. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3059-flow-the-kick> :02 - constant kick with slow turnover :16 - focusing on a narrow, soft, constant kick :24 - keeping the toes pointed and legs long :31 - not a lot of bend in the knee :37 - look at the maximum bend :44 - kick through the rotation Bonus <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3053-freestyle-scull-for-backstroke> Haufler Backstroke: Backstroke Focus Points <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1300-backstroke-focus-points> For Bent-Arm Pull and Rotation: Better Backstroke Concepts: Single-Arm Backstroke <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3051-single-arm-backstroke>

Feb. 13, 2024 - Butterfly After Basics - Zoom

How to Coach Butterfly After Teaching the Basics Once you’ve done the hard work of TEACHING butterfly from scratch, how do you take your swimmers to the next level? This week we explore SEVEN key concepts in butterfly. If you learn to look for these things in your swimmers…and work on teaching these key concepts, you can start to turn your swimmers into butterfliers. Monday Misty Hyman: Two Kicks Per Stroke The most basic things to look for when teaching and coaching butterfly: Is the swimmer taking two kicks per armstroke? Misty Hyman demonstrates. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/853-two-kicks-per-stroke-updated> :06.5 - kick the hands in :08.5 - kick the hands out :13.1 - look at the maximum angle of kick :16 - advancing too soon :24 - kick is drawn forward prior to kicking down :26 - the UP kick :45 - the UP kick 2:03 - timing the UP kick can help lift the front for the recovery 2:06 - timing the UP 2:28 - look at the relationship between the kick lift and the breath 2:50 - misunderstanding of where the energy goes 2:27 - limit amplitude 3:05 - feel the stretch through the chest 3:30 - better to do a few good strokes than a lot of bad ones 3:52 - watch the shadow and the maximum angle of the legs 4:31 - notice how the back of the head is always visible 4:44 - focus on flexibility 5:57 - focus on flexibility 5:25 - focus on driving the energy forward Tuesday Kelsi (Worrell) Dahlia: Kick on the Stomach Two kicks per armstroke is fundamental to a great butterfly. But make sure the kick comes from the torso, not from the knees. Kelsi Worrell demonstrates. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2346-butterfly-kick-on-the-stomach> :02 - minimal amplitude :05 - hands driven forward :06 - notice how the snorkel never goes under :11.5 - look at the maximum knee bend :15.9 - the tension point :17.5 - hands driven forward - VERY straight line :23.7 - maximum knee bend :31 - stability moving forward :51 - integrity in the movement :56 - head stability 1:01 - maximum angle of the kick 1:09 - outside in kick Wednesday Misty Hyman: Palm-Up Recovery What you do with your hands and wrists during the recovery has a big effect on how well you swim butterfly. Misty Hyman demos great recovery technique, and single-arm drills to help you practice. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/408-palm-up-recovery> :06.40 - wrist first entry :55 - hands enter wrists first and the pull goes OUT slightly 1:17 - soft entry 1:44 - single arm wrist first entry 1:48 - breath to the side 1:56 - breath forward with bent arm 2:11 - also works on timing - hand hit hips pop 2:43 - 2-2-2 3:04 - the integrity of the lead arm SHOW GRANT HAND ENTRY AND PULL PATTERN Thursday James Guy: Butterfly Full Body A key concept in butterfly is to send the hands forward rather than down…and to land with hands high and chest deep. Olympian James Guy demonstrates. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2595-butterfly-full-body> :06 - direct pull pattern :11 - landing directly forward :16 - very shallow landing :17 - breathe on every stroke - timing of the kick :20 - does not exactly “kick the hands in” - more like Wu Peng :39 - slight head lift going to air, but just a little :58 - fingertip first entry 1:19 - hands high and forward 1:27 - head in relaxed position 1:32 - chest pressed to the deepest point - not too far 1:35 - show the hips on every stroke cycle 1:40 - point and whip the legs 2:00 - focus on flexibility Friday Martin Liivamagi: Butterfly Below Water Key butterfly concept: Face in before hands land. This timing, demo’d by Estonian Olympian Martin Liivamagi, is key to a forward-driving butterfly. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1841-martin-liivamagi-butterfly-below-water> :04 - direct pull through :06 - flat forward entry :08 - kicking the hands in :09 - kicking the hands out :09 .5 - bigger bend in the knees but thighs in line with the body :17 - fairly narrow straight pull-through :18 - fingers first hand entry :18.8 - climbing out of the pool :20 - driving the head low and just over the surface :21 - climbing out of the pool Saturday Butterfly Drill: Short Release This small change can be a game changer when teaching/coaching butterfly. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1972-butterfly-short-release> :02 - check the direction of the hand exit :13 - a little deeper pull :15 - impossible to tell with the naked eye :30 - short release has the hands a bit wider on exit :46 - looks exactly like a normal stroke :58 - fingers still passed the suit 1:03 - fingers mid-thigh 1:17.9 - fingers mid-thigh 1:40 - both 1:44.6 - end of still frame Sunday Kelsi (Worrell) Dahlia: Butterfly Head Key concept in butterfly: Find one position/alignment for your head and neck and maintain that alignment throughout the entire stroke cycle. Olympian Kelsi Worrell demonstrates. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2324-butterfly-head> :04 - maximum head lift :06.8 - non-breath head remains stable :09.6 - chin extends but then head remains in that position :12 - head back down in “attention” position :19 - goggles almost to surface on non-breath :22 - chin very close to the surface :33 - head going back before arms enter :41 - non-breath :44 - breath 1:04 - line from head to hips Bonus Steve Haufler Butterfly: Putting It All Together Swimmers of all ages can learn this week’s key butterfly concepts. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/169-putting-it-all-together>

Jan. 16, 2024 - Lightning Round

This week we feature GoSwim videos that are 42 seconds or less in length. As we challenge Glenn to give a quick analysis and takeaway on each video, see how much you can absorb by watching small details with great intensity! Monday Kelsi (Worrell) Dahlia: Preview What’s the first technique point that comes to your mind as you watch Olympian Kelsi Dahlia? For us, it’s how she undulates just above and below the water line. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2298-preview-kelsi-worrell-butterfly> fitness training swimming Tuesday Connor Oslin: PREVIEW – Backstroke Pull What catches our eye in this clip of Connor Oslin is the integrity of the line along his forearm, wrist, and palm as he executes a bent-arm pull. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2304-backstroke-pull> fitness training swimming Wednesday Roque Santos: Head-on video When we watch this clip of Olympian Roque Santos, two words come to mind: Hand Speed. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/519-breaststroke-head-on-video> fitness training swimming Thursday Brendan Hansen: Breaststroke Turn Brendan Hansen’s turning technique is on full display here, but we also notice the thinking, planning, and adjusting that’s going on each time he sees the wall during the breath. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/925-breaststroke-turn> fitness training swimming Friday Brendan Hansen: Breaststroke Timing In two stroke cycles, Brendan Hansen delivers a master class in breaststroke timing. Look for ONE thing and take the image to the pool with you. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/916-breaststroke-timing> fitness training swimming Saturday Jason Lezak: Slow Motion Sprinting Here’s slow-motion of Jason Lezak’s sprint freestyle. We notice the commitment to extension even at race pace. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/977-slow-motion-sprinting> fitness training swimming Sunday Kaitlin Sandeno: Underwater Dolphin Kick – Back Full-body flow is what comes to mind as we watch Kaitlin Sandeno’s underwater kick. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/555-underwater-dolphin-back> fitness training swimming Bonus Ash Delaney: Stable Head Slow Motion This clip is longer than 42 seconds, but we like it because it zeroes in on one aspect of Ash Delaney’s backstroke. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1613-backstroke-stable-head>

Feb. 6, 2024 - Engage the Lats

How to Identify the Lats and Learn to Engage Them Where does power come from during the pull? Ideally, it comes from the “lats” (latissimus dorsi), the largest muscle in the upper body. This week we help you identify where the lats are located and how to activate or engage them for a more powerful pull. Monday Brad Tandy: Shoulder Extension South African Olympian Brad Tandy introduces this week’s theme on how to identify and engage the lats. If you can learn to engage the lats during the catch, you’ll increase propulsion and protect your shoulders. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2950-brad-on-shoulder-extension> :18 - over-extension :20 - pull it back to connect the lats more :29 - extending forward and UP :37 - initial push is DOWN :49 - getting to EVF as quickly as possible :55 - over-extension harder to get into the immediate catch 1:08 - extended pull up starting position 1:12 - easier pull up position Tuesday Glenn: Engage the Lats As Glenn swims freestyle and breaststroke in the Endless Pool, watch for him to engage the lats and make them “pop” on every stroke. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3099-engage-the-lats> scrub through and talk about lat focus Mirrors build a higher awareness :26 - eyes down breaststroke - achieve the feeling Wednesday Kim Vandenberg: Head On Underwater Free When can you first pick out the lats as Olympian Kim Vandenberg swims toward the camera? They’re visible at all three camera speeds, but when can you first pick out the “pop?” <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1642-freestyle-head-on-underwater> :09 - longer extension than Brad (not a 50 swimmer) :11 - pivot the forearm :15 - lat engagement on the left side :17.6 - pivot the forearm and engage the lat :22 - extension with right arm :24 - maintain lat engagement Thursday Dryland: EVF Isometric Exercise We love this simple dryland exercise for isolating and strengthening the lats, the powerhouse of the pull. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1409-dryland-evf-isometric-exercise> :04 - best model for visuals :09 - elbows up, pushing palms into the floor :26 - imagine this position with a rotated body catching the water :41 - practice symmetry :59 - anyone can do it 1:28 - go back and forth from Kara in pool to me on floor Friday Go Swim Dryland Cord Training: Single-Arm Early Vertical Forearm (EVF) Stretch cords can help you identify, isolate, awaken, and strengthen the muscles that should be used to apply power during the catch and early part of the pull. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2777-single-arm-early-vertical-forearm-evf> :13 - stabilize all movement except the forearm :22 - higher elbow :23 - forearm to 90° :26 - isolate and stabilize - no additional movement :44 - mimic the catch position Saturday Better Freestyle: EVF Dog Paddle This drill, especially when done with a snorkel, helps swimmers “find” and engage the lats. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3020-evf-dog-paddle> :08 - forearm pivot :09 - full arm press :10 - isolate and stabilize the upper arm while the forearm goes for the catch :13 - get the elbow on top of the arm :19 - see the lat engagement :32 - arm may be a bit too low :36 - keep the elbows near the surface Sunday Better Freestyle: Single-Arm Free with Buoy Isolating one arm allows you to focus on the lats and how to engage them for a better catch and pull. Don’t rush this one! <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3021-single-arm-free-with-buoy> :05 - isolate the upper arm :06 - pivot the forearm into the catch :10 - keep the elbow high :15 - push back with the elbow <https://youtu.be/Un_Dz_dfmjM?si=145IU11_CGz62_fd&t=210> Max Litchfield Matt Richards James Guy Bonus Freestyle Drill: Power Elbow This simple drill gets the message across: The dramatic increase in power when you pull from the inner elbow and through the lats. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/993-freestyle-power-elbow> Giles Smith: Towel Inverted Rows Isometrics and Reps Here’s how to use the simplest of equipment (a swim towel) to strengthen the lats. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2863-towel-inverted-rows-iso-reps> Brad Tandy: Finger Drop Catch Drill Finding and engaging the lats requires slow, deliberate practice. In a regular pool, try this with snorkel and pull buoy. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2944-finger-drop-catch-drill>

Grant House - Fast 50 Evaluation

On this 50 grand is going faster. So one of the things to notice what to go back and look at the other one, but his feet placement is, is high on the wall in order to get a little bit of a downward exit to get into some deeper water less underwater dolphins because he wants to get up to speed a little bit quicker. But we do notice that his body is still in this breakout position perfectly horizontal to or parallel to the surface of the water. Great head position down, you see that he's attacking the hands much quicker this time. And so we'll see more of a separation between the two hands. So this does constitute a more forward quadrant or catch up type of stroke. And that this hand is entering before this hand passes the shoulder. That does also lead to better connection through the lats and the way that that body pulls the arm back. Great extension forward to the head position. I'm not sure if he's taken a breath yet. So staying we're stable in this one. There's the breath up a little bit in order to get the breath but then settles back down nicely. Great balance, stronger kick and obviously a higher tempo. Look at how the head buries into the turn. Again, beautiful breakout. Look at that catch. So this is what we're trying to do is get this arm into a position that is leveraging on the water as much as possible will notice a lot of the bigger athletes are going to have more of a straighter arm. Then you'll see on some of the bent arm swimmers or the high elbow swimmers. Again this it takes a lot of strength but it does give a lot of surface area in pushing back. So it is beneficial but again you have to be trained in order to do this and it takes years and making sure that the shoulders are properly conditioned to take advantage of that longer lever that we see here. So you get this balanced breath. So it comes up slightly but we never see that bottom goggle leave the water. Again, beautiful job head down into the finish. And again touching low on the wall, not up on the gutter

Grant House - 50 Free Under Evaluation

Looking at Grant from underwater, the first thing we're gonna see is look at that line. Look at how amazing that direction is just a perfect push off parallel to the surface of the water, slight undulation with the hands or leading with the hands ever so slightly out front to get the body moving in more of a snake like fashion. But upon breakout pape, pay particular attention to how often he gets directly back into this line that is parallel with the surface of the water. Let's watch the head on the breakout. So we can see the hips, the back, the shoulders, the head, the arm directly forward again, not popping up but forward on the breakout head position is incredibly stable, especially for the first few strokes. You can see here the left hand is enters and then Pierce's forward it reaches full extension at full rotation and still both front quadrant beautiful flowing kick behind. Not overly done. I think it was a little short on the turn here. He probably could have gone nine trips. You could see how right here at the end and he's following the hand down. So he definitely swims through the turn on this, which is exactly what you want. Again, look at how parallel to the surface he is on breakout, not lifting the head, everything kind of reaching the surface at the same time. Forward Forward forward that head position and see how much of this we see underwater. How much of his face we see underwater on the breath and a quick turn with the head back to center and a beautiful 50 Free

Breaststroke - Head-on video - Roque

Short clip shot from under Roque. This video best illustrates the pull pattern and hand speed into the recovery.

Jan. 9, 2024 - Send it Forward Zoom

Jan 9, 2024 - Send it Forward Zoom Theme of the Week Send It Forward “Send it forward” is a concept we learned from breaststroker Dave Denniston, but it’s a focus point that applies to all four strokes, and should be part of your technique mindset as we launch into a new year of swimming. Monday Dave Denniston: Send It Forward Davo, the maestro, shows us what sending it forward looks like in breaststroke. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/590-send-it-forward> :04 - completely under in a great line :05 - trying to hide from resistance :08 - line :11 - direction of the hands :18 - horizontal body :20 - toe point :24 - through the hole :41 - hiding the legs :48 - wrong way :58 - aiming down 1:03 - aiming down 1:10 - direction of the hands if forward 1:12 - at the highest point of the stroke - where will you land? 1:22 - aim shallow 1:40 - picking up the pace - shallow 2:16 - very much eyes down breaststroke - forward 2:37 - head pushes slightly lower than arms Tuesday Kelsi (Worrell) Dahlia: Butterfly – Full Body Sending it forward in butterfly means maintaining a stable head/neck alignment and moving that area forward at all times. It also means landing the hands forward rather than down. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2322-butterfly-full-body> :06 - head articulation on first stroke very little :09 - no breath first stroke but look at the height of the eyes :11 - head in same position as breakout :13 - how much is out of the water? :15 - how deep is the head compared to the chest :15 - none breathing stroke head stays still :19 - going to air slight articulation :23 - deepest point of the chin :27 - deepest point of the chin :34 - breakout - FORWARD :38 - breath forward :46 - just over the surface - forward :50 - maximum knee bend :59 - going to air - forward not up 1:02 - how much is out of the water? 1:14 - maximum angle of entire body Wednesday “In competition, you can’t waste time and energy going up and down…or side to side. You have to send everything forward.” – Jeff Rouse, three-time Olympic champion <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/637-send-it-forward-backward> :00 - stability and forward movement :16 - very traditional big rotation stroke :17 - perpendicular pull :17.5 - very deep finish with sculling upsweep :25 - head stability and moving forward :46 - fast - stable head :51 - slower - stable head 1:04 - precision recovery 1:14 - NO side-to-side movement 1:15 - tight recovery 1:16 - tight entry 1:19 - hyperextension of the elbow 1:45 - constant kick 2:06 - hand slicing to the grab 2:09 - hand slicking to the grab 2:35 - pull pattern 2:56 - bent elbow Thursday David Curtiss: 04- DC Talks Body Rotation To get the feeling of sending it forward, US national teamer David Curtiss uses images like slippery, flow, symmetry, and being like a bullet fired under water. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3491-04-dc-talks-body-rotation> :54 - look at the line :57 - line 1:08 - learn to maximize balance on your side 1:11 - sprinter focusing on line using 2-beat kick 1:13 - 2-beat kick 2:56 - low profile - long bodyline - steady kick 3:03 - life F1 - can be no additional drag 7:10 - NARROW 7:44 - NARROW Friday Scott Tucker: Extend It Forward Olympic sprinter Scott Tucker appears to flow, rather than pull, himself forward. By extending forward on every armstroke and by getting his shoulders and armpits to clear the water, he achieves the narrowest possible bodyline. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/682-extend-it-forward> :00 - stable head forward motion :14 - hand switches from leverage to connection :15 - high elbow catch :15.5 - internally rotated wrist to lift elbow :21 - connected arm :21.6 - watch the orientation of the fingers… NEVER up :23 - how much power goes into the set up of the catch? :27 - about to hold water with the arm :33 - forward takes low balanced breathing :39.53 - mouth :46 - head bow wave :47 - breath :50 - nearly his whole body out of the water :53 - body out during breathing :57 - Zoom in on legs 1:08 - stable head 1:20 - learn to swim relaxed 1:36 - experiment with head position low 1:49 - experiment with head position high 2:10 - find what work for you with your coach Saturday Fran Crippen: Stay Long, Smooth, and Efficient Watching Fran Crippen swim freestyle, you get the impression he’s not so much pulling as simply getting out of his own way and letting his arms fly through the water. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/129-freestyle-technique> :11 - line :13 - balance :18 - alignment - direction :19 - slight angle because of angle :23 - using the line to help determine the stroke :27 - stable head :28 - line during breathing :31 - line during possible sighting :36 - over rotation of head for breath :36 - early head turn back :43 - where are you going? Forward :52 - great leverage point :53.9 - great leverage point for the weight-shift :56.88 - swim with your lats :58.33 - swim with your lats 1:29 - stay narrow to draft 1:52 - oversize paddles - requires a straight arm path 2:05 - straight arm path = forward Sunday Brad Tandy The shape that you present to the water makes a huge difference in how efficiently you can send your energy forward. Brad Tandy demo’s this with a simple kick drill in the Endless Pool. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2941-rotate-to-extension> :07 - prone balance :10.8 - rotation :12 - extension :18 - prone balance :20 - rotation and extension :21 - moving forward by changing shape Bonus: Bruno Fratus: Hands Bruno’s fingertips are always driving forward, giving the impression that he’s FLYING through the extension forward. <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2376-freestyle-hands> Amanda Beard: Send It Forward “Everything that I do with my stroke is designed to help me reduce drag and move forward…to get to the other end of the pool.” -- Amanda Beard <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/529-send-it-forward> Misty Hyman: Send It Forward “Sometimes we get so caught up in pulling hard and kicking fast that we forget which way we’re supposed to go when we swim. It’s FORWARD.” -- Misty Hyman <https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/521-send-it-forward> Teaching Phrases: Send It Forward: Phrases to use with your swimmers Breast · Horizontal body line · Find a clean line · Get out of your own way · Balanced body line · Swim in a cylinder · Create a hole that you want to go through · Think about what path you’re making through the water · Pierce a hole through the water · Aim forward and shallow with the hands · Finish the LINE before starting the next stroke · Focus on cleaning up EVERYthing Fly · Send your energy forward, not up and down · Get into the line and ride it · Keep head/neck alignment stable · Think forward, forward, forward Back · Minimize the work it takes to get to the other end · Keep all parts of your body in a narrow, straight line · Everything needs to press in the right direction · No side-to-side motion · Maintain a constant, steady kick to keep driving you forward · Get into an immediate catch Free · Cut through the water · Create a clean body line · Relax, flow, feel the water · Search your way into a balanced position · Focus on moving FORWARD rather than on pulling · Don’t disrupt the water · Become as small as possible when you try to move forward · Don’t mess up your balance when you breathe · Learn to swim relaxed · Aim for constant forward motion – no starts and stops · Learn to SHAPE your body. Experiment while flat, on the side, on the back, etc. · THINK about moving forward · Simplify and apply Chat: 12:11:06 From William park ChPC To Glenn Mills(privately) : Sorry I have to go but your teaching n keeping all of us updated is a gift. We are all so fortunate to have GoSwim. So Go Blue 12:15:18 From Melinda Wolff : Beautiful stroke! It takes a lot of shoulder flexibility, which we Masters are lacking ... although I think we all can improve our flexibility by focusing on that via dryland exercises. 12:18:53 From Melinda Wolff : I like seeing it in slow mo. You can see that he keeps his arms ahead of his body vs. getting his upper arms "stuck" on his sides. 12:25:19 From Monty Krieger : fly: side breath vs straight ahead breath? 12:28:27 From Melinda Wolff To Glenn Mills(privately) : OMG - I didn't know about Rich Thornton! So sad ... 12:33:32 From Melinda Wolff : what makes this BA "old school?" the end of the stroke? 12:37:10 From Cindy Dyer : As masters, my coaches tell us to enter at 11 and 1? Is this the newer concept? 12:37:12 From Paul Howard : On item we focus on is the placement of the little finger in first not the back of the hand which he does well. 12:38:39 From Monty Krieger To Glenn Mills(privately) : why does he wait so long to move into the slice into the water hand? 12:39:26 From Ruth cheung : Can i watch this on YouTube , I have work meeting or else I would finish this. I love it ! 12:39:31 From Monty Krieger To Glenn Mills(privately) : as you get older, more body fat helps you stay high in the water!!! (HaHa) 12:40:50 From Beth Baker : Is depth of catch what creates rotation? 12:42:57 From Beth Baker : So the shoulder lift is purposeful? 12:52:16 From Dan Jimar : very little 12:53:46 From Beth Baker To Glenn Mills(privately) : Would there be that much “front quadrant” in a sprint? (Scott T) 12:56:01 From O Thomas Johnson : Whats impressive is how small his bow wave is, and how narrow it stays 12:56:46 From O Thomas Johnson : That wave not only goes out but goes down as well 12:58:00 From Melinda Wolff To Glenn Mills(privately) : was that Fran Crippen? 12:59:43 From Dan Jimar To Glenn Mills(privately) : railroad track drill, go right over the line of the bottom of the pool 12:59:48 From Stacy Sweetser : Love to see a great lat flare! Impressive 13:02:13 From Dan Jimar To Glenn Mills(privately) : will the bonus videos be the notes on the web page? 13:03:22 From Glenn Mills : Reacted to "Love to see a great ..." with ❤️ 13:03:24 From Beth Baker To Glenn Mills(privately) : OMG LOVED this session. One of your best. So comprehensive. THANK YOU!! 13:03:25 From Cindy Dyer : Do you have a drill for engaging lats? I don’t think I have any! 13:06:35 From Barbara Hummel : Hi Cindy. We have a few. I like this as a possible theme of the week and will put it in the cue! 13:06:53 From Beth Baker : Reacted to "Hi Cindy. We have a..." with ❤️ 13:08:02 From Berrin Yavuzer : Reacted to "Hi Cindy. We have a…" with ❤️ 13:08:32 From Berrin Yavuzer : I would like to know too Barbara 🙂 13:09:00 From Stacy Sweetser : Thank you! Always educational and inspriational sessions. 13:09:36 From Monty Krieger : Is there any way to allow us to sign in for all sessions at one time? 13:09:39 From Kirsten Hinds : Thank you! 13:09:40 From Lesley Dusevic : Many thanks! 13:09:40 From Piotr Pohorecki : Thank you! 13:09:51 From Kathy Eaton : Thanks…great one today!

Nov. 9, 2021 - Butterfly Early Release

Early Release Fly Zoom Monday - Haufler https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/156-mistakes-getting-stuck-at-the-back :07 - Steve demonstrating the problem Swimmers push too far back and too direct :20 - round out the exit :26 - move the arms outward while the hands are still in the water :36 - step back to the angel position Start the recovery with the hands away from the legs :44 - back scull - put the emphasis on the OUT movement 1:11 - as the hands leave the water, palms face back Tuesday - Merle https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3101-learn-butterfly-arms-lifting-arms From start - land based exercise Think of a straight movement from up to down :21 - lead with the wrists to better simulate the actual recovery Feel the weight of the arms through this action :39 - keep the arms moving in a straight line from up to down and back Keep the hands within the profile of the body Wednesday - Float Diamond… https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3105-float-diamond-angel-swing From the beginning Full rehearsal on land :11 - float position (extension) :15 - diamond (pull) :21 - angel (exit) :24 - swing (recovery) :32 - float position :34 - diamond shows EVF :36 - flare out to the angel :39 - swing to float :54 - better body position of the float 1:04 - watch the shadow 1:16 - continue to rehearse on land Thursday - Vertical Butterfly Jumps https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3161-vertical-butterfly Using the momentum of the jump to allow the hands to stay in position. From the beginning Remember the mantra - float diamond angel swing :16 - when you jump from the bottom, that hands can better stay in one place to isolate the positions. Hands anchor JUST under the surface. :25 - water must be deeper than the swimmer with arms extended :28 - crouch or squat in float position :33 - see the hand anchor - diamond :41 - Angel position :44 - look at the slight break of the wrist on exit for a palm back, wrist forward recovery. :47 - Swing happens above water 1:10 - Swing recovery shown above This also works on rhythmic breathing 1:24 - hands JUST under the surface Friday - Kim V https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1574-butterfly-head-and-recovery From beginning - Hands exit flared out :23 - slow motion :24 - hands sweeping out :25 - wrists lead the way :26 - hands land just outside the shoulders :29 - a bit wider exit :49 - again hands exit out Saturday - Kaitlin https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/571-slow-mo-butterfly-kaitlin-sandeno :37 - from the front, you can see the outward direction of the recovery :42 again :53 - JUST catch the hands prior to exit 1:09 - wrists lead the way 1:36 - from above 1:37 - sweeping out on recovery 1:40 - same 2:02 - hands sweeping out Sunday - Kelsi https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2349-3-left-3-right-3-whole-stroke-butterfly From beginning - Straight arm recovery Breathing to the side on single-arm :33 - from above :34 - hand exit is outward - wrist lead. Kelsi lands with flat hands :42 - full stroke Stop at hand exit - Outward sweep Wrists lead the way Bonus - Misty https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/409-give-it-up-in-the-back 1:43 - outward flare on exit and wrist lead the way Misty - https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/408-palm-up-recovery :52 - palm up wrists lead the way 1:22 - see the outward hand exit Jerry - https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2337-butterfly-update-early-release Short Release - https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1972-butterfly-short-release Haufler - Butterfly arms - look at the thumb https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/146-butterfly-arms

Nov. 2, 2021 - Freestyle Connection

Freestyle Connection Zoom Monday - Glenn https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3261-disconnected-freestyle 1:32 - Arms lead the way Imagine swinging a bat like this. Arms first. Opposing arms but not kayak 2:06 - Flat / Limited rotation Hard to recover effectively Lack of extension 2:22 - hands leading the way again 2:36 - dropped elbow Hand will ultimately make some connection late in the process 3:00 - Connected 3:06 - Hand connected with the rotation Rotate to extension 3:10 - Connected during the breath More of a catch up stroke at the slow speed 3:16 - Catch up timing Tuesday - Connect Hands to Hips https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3032-connect-hands-to-the-hips From beginning Balanced long rotated body line :10 - Hips rotating out of the way of the exiting hand :19 - Hip down during extension Hip starts to rotate up as lead hand begins to pull :22 - Hip rotates up on hand exit Continue watching relationship between hip and hand :48 - rotate hips in extension :49 - hip and hand move together 1:02 - rotate hips in extension 1:03 - hip and hand move together 1:05 - big rotation to extension 1:06 - hand sets the connection 1:07 - hand and hip move together Wednesday - Jason https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/353-connect-the-catch-to-the-core :48 - At slow speed very much catch up. :49 - huge rotation to extension :50 - hand sets the catch then hand and hip move together 1:10 - falling from side to side Feel the weight shifts 1:28 - full rotation to extension with hips rotated Set the catch and hand and hip move together 2:24 - the lope connection 2:29 - press down into rotation 2:34 - watch the connection and shoot forward on the finish of the stroke 3:29 - rotate the hips and slice the hand on exit 4:45 - human stroke watching the hands 5:34 - Single-arm 6:15 - Fist drill 6:39 - faster speed Right hand deeper into the catch before rotation Left hand still more of a catch up Thursday - Kara Lynn https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/817-freestyle-sprint-front-underwater From beginning Immediate set up (50 freestyler) Shoulder rotation More stable hips Legs up and down - no rotation Full connection with lats and back Friday - Fran https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/945-freestyle-extension :06 - Full extension and set up the catch Hand and hip move together :10 - full extension and rotation Kick setting up to aid the rotation Right foot kicks as right hand connects (OR right foot kicks as left hand enters) :15 - Left foot kicks as left hand connects (OR left foot kicks as right hand enters) Saturday - Kaitlin https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/582-slow-mo-freestyle-kaitlin-sandeno :19 - Arm set occurs while body is still rotated (during breath)’ As body starts to rotate arm and hip are connected :23 - Arm sets while body still rotated :24 - Just at from quadrant :53 - really sets the lats on the catch :59 - Reaches full extension but the hand doesn’t stop 1:57 - More connection half-way through the stroke. What events does she swim? 400IM Sunday - Erik https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/560-single-arm-freestyle :06 - Seems to accentuate the finish of the stroke :20 - Full rotation and extension :21 - Sets the catch and right catch and right kick connected Body and hips are moving together :24 - SLIGHT kick with the left foot as the right hand enters :26 - watch the travel once he gets into rotated extension :28 - not just about the pull, but almost PUSHING the left shoulder down :45 - watch the travel even when gliding in the blunt position :50 - set the arm - then connect it all together BONUS - Search for “catch” https://www.goswim.tv/lessons?stroke=Freestyle&tags=Catch&type=lessons

Oct. 19, 2021 - Freestyle Pull

This week we take a close look at the concepts of Early Vertical Forearm (EVF) and pulling from inside the elbow. This subtle shift of focus (pulling from the elbow rather than from the palm or wrist) can add power to your pull. Get ready for lots drills and progressions to help imprint this important skill. http://gosw.im/2t2jXca goswim Tue: October 20, 2020 Many swimmers rush through Position-11 Freestyle, without really thinking about what the drill can teach. Get some images from today’s video, then head to the pool and SLOW DOWN as you swim P-11 Freestyle, thinking about EVF and pulling from inside the elbow. http://gosw.im/2kfIZAy Wed: October 21, 2020 Here’s Glenn’s take on pulling from the inside of the elbow, filmed in the Endless Pool. https://gosw.im/37gFg18 Thu: October 22, 2020 Steve Haufler shows that it’s never too early to introduce the concepts of Early Vertical Forearm (EVF) and pulling from inside the elbow. Age groupers can get it! Today Steve shares his teaching progression, starting with land drills and then pool drills. http://bit.ly/1EkG3bL Fri: October 23, 2020 Barbados Olympian Martyn Forde demo’s a cool drill for imprinting EVF and the concept of pulling from inside the elbow. A snorkel and fins are important for this drill; they allow you to settle in and focus solely on the elbows and arms. http://gosw.im/2mlR23N Sat: October 24, 2020 Coach Signe Linville from the Upper Valley Aquatic Club demo’s a stretch-cord drill for strengthening the muscles needed for EVF — to set up a catch that allows you to pull from the inside of the elbow. https://gosw.im/346FR3G Sun: October 25, 2020 This simple dryland drill can be done at the pool or while watching TV! It’s great for awakening the muscles needed for Early Vertical Forearm (EVF) and for pulling from the inside of the elbow. http://gosw.im/1SbJPgQ goswim goswimbetter goswimfreestyle