When swimming, it's crucial to avoid pulling through the water with a straight arm. Instead, focus on bending your elbow and using a proper arm stroke technique.
Essentially, you want to avoid keeping your arm straight and deep throughout the pull. Here's a breakdown:
- Avoid the Straight Arm: The main mistake is pulling through the water with a completely straight arm. This creates unnecessary resistance and reduces power.
- Bend Your Elbow: Incorporate a bend at the elbow to maximize your pulling power and efficiency.
- High Elbow Catch: Aim for a "high elbow catch," where your elbow is higher than your hand as you begin your pull. This allows you to engage your back muscles and generate more force.
- Don't Be Too Deep: Avoid keeping your arm too deep in the water during the pull phase.
Think about it like pulling yourself forward using a bent lever rather than a straight one. Bending your elbow allows you to engage more muscles and create a more powerful and efficient stroke.
