Fingers should be closed when swimming.
Why Closed Fingers are Better for Swimming
Keeping your fingers closed while swimming offers several key advantages:
-
Reduced Drag: Closed fingers create a more streamlined hand shape, minimizing the water's resistance and improving your speed. This is because a closed fist presents a smaller surface area to the water than open fingers. Streamlined Hand Position: Closed fingers create a streamlined shape, reducing the surface area that interacts with the water. This minimizes drag and improves efficiency.
-
Improved Power: A closed fist allows for a more powerful and consistent pull through the water. Your hand acts as a single unit, generating more force with each stroke. Consistent Pull: Closed fingers help maintain a strong and consistent pull throughout the stroke.
-
Enhanced Propulsion: The cohesive hand shape maximizes the propulsion generated during each stroke. Open fingers would cause water to slip through, reducing efficiency.
Practical Application
Whether you're swimming freestyle, backstroke, butterfly, or breaststroke, maintaining a closed fist during the propulsive phase of your stroke is crucial for optimal performance.
