Freestyle - Entry Phase
The typical and ineffective arm position at the completion of the entry is shown below in the left image. Note that the arm is parallel to the surface.
This position is ineffective because:
- the leverage is very poor,
- time is wasted,
- there is unnecessary stress on the shoulder.
.jpg)
An effective arm position at the completion of the entry is shown in the right image. Note the downward angle of the arm.
This position is effective because:
- the leverage is improved,
- wasted time is eliminated,
- shoulder stress is reduced.
Swimmers generally position the arm parallel to the surface (as shown in the left image). This position usually requires about .2 sec before the arm submerges below the shoulder to a position of better leverage where greater force can be generated (right image). More importantly, the angle at the shoulder (left image) reduces the space between the upper arm and shoulder causing irritation and decreased blood flow - a position classically related to “shoulder impingement."
The right image shows a more effective position at the completion of the arm entry. The leverage is improved so the swimmer can immediately begin to generate substantial force. Because the wasted time is eliminated, the stroke rate increases. Best of all, shoulder stress is greatly reduced.
An effective arm position can be achieved by a downward entry angle. If the elbow is maintained above the hand and the hand enters at a 30o angle, the arm will be in an effective position at the completion of the entry (as shown below).
