wawaverider wrote: How can I lengthen my stroke? What are some good things to practice? I've tried touch and go (i.e. keep one hand extended until the other hand touches it while in the extension phase of my arm stroke)
Well.......I could show you.......but then I'd have to kill you. LOL!
First.....you can't make your arms any longer than they already are.
Second........relax. Your stroke should be easy. Don't muscle your way through it.
Okay......
Catch-up is a good drill......keep practicing it. Try adding a slide to your stroke. ie: before you catch and pull........extend your arm forward and slide. You should feel the extension all the way to your hip.
Another good drill...........zulu. I'll try describing it.......(It's one of those drills that's easier to demonstrate). As you take a breath your recovery arm stops at a 45 degree angle and holds there for 3 to 5 seconds. (take your breath put your face back in the water). Your catch arm is fully extended forward with your hand slightly broken at the wrist in order to create resistance. (being forced down as if you're starting your catch) Recover arm then slices/knifes into the water and extends forward.....repeat. (It feels a little funky to get the breathing down.....but keep trying it.)
Hope these help. PM me if you need a private lesson.
