Freestyle Swimming Technique: Common Mistakes and Fixes

Introduction

• Fixing common freestyle mistakes can enhance your swimming speed and endurance.
• The video focuses on correcting the arm stroke, breathing technique, and kicking errors.

Arm Stroke Mistakes

• Common Error: Low elbow position during arm stroke results in ineffective water catch.
  • Effects: Reduced speed and efficiency as the swimmer fails to catch and pull water effectively.

Correct Arm Stroke Technique

• Initial Phase: Turn forearm inside, elbow directed upwards.
  • Correct Elbow Position: Enables catching a larger amount of water, using back muscles for power.
• Dryland Exercise: Use a chair to practice high elbow position and arm stroke.
  • Incorrect Technique: Elbow drops and hand pulls like a rope.

Breathing Technique Mistakes

• Common Error: Initiating arm stroke while taking a breath leads to incorrect arm trajectory.
  • Impact: Results in an ineffective arm stroke during breathing.

Correct Breathing Technique

• Timing: Begin arm stroke after returning head to a neutral position post-breath.
  • Side Breathing: Rotate head only to the side; avoid lifting it upwards.

Drills for Breathing

• Freestyle Rotations on Land: Simulate the axis of rotation from head to feet.
• Kicking Against the Wall: Practice turning head to side while keeping one eye underwater.

Kicking Technique Mistakes

• Common Error: Large bending at the knees during kicks leads to reduced speed and increased water resistance.

Correct Kicking Technique

• Straight Legs: Maintain relaxed yet straight legs for effective kicks.
• Kicking Amplitude: Should be minimal, maintaining body streamline.

Vertical Kicking Drill

• Objective: Ensure legs are straight with minimal bending at knees.
  • Drill Details: Perform kicks in vertical position to feel correct movement.

Summary

• Regular practice of these techniques and drills will improve swimming efficiency and speed.
• Stay tuned for more detailed lessons on specific techniques in future videos.

Call to Action

• Engage with the content by commenting and sharing with swimming peers.
• Subscribe to the channel for more swimming technique videos.