Correct Freestyle Stroke Technique - Common Faults - Bent Arm Action

Don't Be Common Use Correct Freestyle Stroke Technique

Two of the most common faults in correct freestyle stroke technique arm action are over reaching and arms too straight. The easiest way to correct both of them is to introduce correct bent arm action into your stroke.

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If you have been following this series then you will currently be doing a straight arm action. It's now time to start a bent arm action. The quickest and easiest way to do that is to change the position of your hand.

Turning your hand so that your thumb enters the water first when you do your stroke will if you relax your arm cause a slight change in the bend of your elbow. Do not force the bend, let the pitch of your hand do it for you.

Freestyle Hand Position

Over Reaching Yourself

If you force the bend you will probably cause what is sometimes referred to as over reaching.

Over reaching in your freestyle stroke will create a zig zag in your movement in the water and will not only reduce the efficiency of your stroke but will probably introduce faults into your breathing action. A gentle turn is all you need.


Have someone watch you to see if the hand is entering the water where you think it is and change it according to that information.

Hand Entering Water

This picture to the left will give you some idea as to how the hand entry should be.

Next I'll deal with Common Faults - Freestyle Over Reaching

Enjoy
   Richard