Who says the s-pull is dead? ;-)

[Richardsk]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...iPkG8A_8A&NR=1

You don't need to know Japanese to figure out what it's about.

[CharlesCouturier]

scientists have consistently observed changes in hand pitch throughout the pull phase. However:
1. It certainly doesn't have anything to do with the pattern(s) depicted in your clip
2. Learning to execute it well remains out of reach of most beg/intermediate level swimmers

[CharlesCouturier]

S-Shape pulling can be seen quite clearly here, as performed by an elite that masters it.

You'll notice that whilst it's definitely noticeable, it's there, no doubt, the pulling overall is still down pretty much in straight line.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGUNN...ailpage#t=120s

I'm yet to see beg/intermediate performing this gesture with enough nuance to make it really productive.. So it's an elite, or at least advanced thing in my opinion.

[CoachSuzanne]

its an entertaining video. Interesting that the sculling movements that make synchronized swimmers stand in place are expected to help the swimmer move foreward. Sculling is an inefficient way to move forward and based on flawed observations now magnified and taught as 'hand me down' techniques.

[CoachSuzanne]

Originally Posted by CharlesCouturier

S-Shape pulling can be seen quite clearly here, as performed by an elite that masters it.

You'll notice that whilst it's definitely noticeable, it's there, no doubt, the pulling overall is still down pretty much in straight line.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGUNN...ailpage#t=120s

I'm yet to see beg/intermediate performing this gesture with enough nuance to make it really productive.. So it's an elite, or at least advanced thing in my opinion.

I wouldn't even describe that as sculling...he repositions his arm to get better leverage for the final push it seems.

I'll invoke Rod Havrulak's name here and see if he shows up (via google alerts maybe) ?

[CharlesCouturier]

Oh I can even call him if you feel it's appropriate ;-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...Nrpny2U#t=121s

I may beg to differ a bit though, if you look very closely between minute 2:03 to 2:04, you see a bit of a sculling motion there. It's subtle, but it's there.

[CoachSuzanne]

Originally Posted by CharlesCouturier

Oh I can even call him if you feel it's appropriate ;-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...Nrpny2U#t=121s

I may beg to differ a bit though, if you look very closely between minute 2:03 to 2:04, you see a bit of a sculling motion there. It's subtle, but it's there.

Send him on over!

[CharlesCouturier]

I see what you mean though. At the same moment, swimmer is doing what I call passing the elbow. A mandatory step to go from pull to push phase, fairly typical of a smooth swimmer.

However, call it killing 2 birds with one stone, the hand pitch changes really suggests that there's a sculling motion taking place at that time. Swimmers are cheaters. They'll do just about everything possible to increase economy, this may include sneaking in a slight sculling whilst passing the elbow.

Rod's specialty is dynamic measurement of propulsive forces. I'm therefore a bit hesitant in disrupting him with this case, as I wouldn't know what to ask for exactly..

[daveblt]

Your puny hand is only the tip of the propeller . The real engine is in your core as your hand holds it's place the water .

Dave

[swimust]

this "academic nonsense" destroyed my shoulder 4 years ago. not even Maradona watching at the back will make me swim S-shape again. never again! :)