Counting Strokes - is fewer always better?

[Streak]

Valid questions Werner. Too many variables to make sure that each one is the same every stroke/length. TT is the only really fixed one.

Not sure how to answer your last question. Sometimes with no TT I just go out there and swim a few 100's and surprise myself. That's often after the asymmetric TT pyramid drill when I have picked up some good SR muscle memory but without having to stick exactly to the TT.

[Tom Pamperin]

Originally Posted by Streak

Conclusion - I am a very unconventional swimmer and none of this makes any sense to me.

But what you describe matches my experience perfectly. Decrease SR and SPL drops. Times also get slower. You feel more relaxed and less effortful.

Increase SPL (i.e. to 18-19 from 16-17) and speed increases. (This is true only up to a point, and only if you are doing some things correctly, as it's possible to increase SPL without increasing speed).

So, none of what you posted surprises me at all, or seems unconventional.

[Streak]

OK thanks Tom. Practiced some of the light touch catch today including some fist drill.
Managed to hold 16 SPL with fists which is not too bad.

[Tom Pamperin]

Originally Posted by Bada Bing

Hi Tom,

If you are ever in England, you might like to join us on the water. Hopefully no need for swimming................Hopefully.
See attachment.

I missed replying to this--I'd love to get out sailing next time I'm in England (though I have no idea when that might be--last time was 4 years ago). I agree it would be best to avoid the need to swim...

[Tom Pamperin]

Originally Posted by Streak

OK thanks Tom. Practiced some of the light touch catch today including some fist drill.
Managed to hold 16 SPL with fists which is not too bad.

Yep, I think that's pretty good, actually.

I need to work on that light touch idea.