spear hand

[scribe3]

I understand the concept of the recovery arm entering the water, and spearing down. I was wondering, if you should reach full extension before spearing deep, to aid the body's rotation along with the hips.

When I swim the TI way, and the hand enter deep, hand and wrist at a downward angle it never really reaches fully extension.

[CoachStuartMcDougal]

Hi scribe,

When you finish rotation (on each edge) is when your spearing arm reaches full extension, and not before. Unless of course, you are bending arm from elbow and not committing to the skate finish. Spearing arm should be extended, arm sloping gently downward as rotation completes.

Stu
mindbodyandswim.com

[daveblt]

Originally Posted by CoachStuartMcDougal

Hi scribe,

When you finish rotation (on each edge) is when your spearing arm reaches full extension, and not before. Unless of course, you are bending arm from elbow and not committing to the skate finish. Spearing arm should be extended, arm sloping gently downward as rotation completes.

Stu
mindbodyandswim.com

Coach Stuart ... Extended, but not fully locked out and no tension on the
arm ??


Dave

[CoachStuartMcDougal]

Hi Dave,

Correct, extend arm - not locked out. No tension in hand/digits or shoulder either. At full extension there should be a space between the shoulder and the cheek large enough to hold a small apple.

Stu
MindBodyAndSWIM.com

[scribe3]

I know Hip rotation is a driving force,behind your catch, your breathing, and placing your hand in the water. I have come to believe, lacking in my rotation is a big part of my problem.

[WFEGb]

Hello scribe3,

may be you're right. But what do you mean by "amount of"? Most times a too less rotation angle is not the problem (45°-60° should be far enough, if you don't have problems with your cervical spine). I'd suggest to find more your FPs in

- Is my head stable and relaxed looking down, not turning with the body?
- Is my core stable, are hips and shoulders rotating parallel?
- Are my legs aligned with spine during the rotation?
- Is my recovery relaxed enough, not disturbing the speared arm?
- Do I start rotation from highest angle only when the recovery hand enters?
- Is my catch-press synchronized to my opposite spear?
- Do I feel the "viscous ball of water" on my catch arm, helping me to hold the arm on place and driving the (stable) body over it?

And what are my different feelings (easiness in breathings. times, SPLs...) when focussing in these points?

If you try, enjoy!!

Best regards,
Werner