If you really want to learn to be a great swimmer, the stroke technique is one of the points to consider. See what it’s about.
The crawl style is considered the most important in contemporary swimming and lifeguard course. Beyond being the most relevant, it is one of the most used, even the first to be learned by most people. In that order of ideas, the stroke technique should be one of the most frequently socialized topics, both by teachers and students.
In this case, the main theme is the front crawl stroke technique. This movement seems easier than it seems, but you should not overlook it at any time.
Front crawl stroke technique
The front crawl stroke is developed asymmetrically, as well as in the backstroke style. In addition, it consists of two main phases: the aerial and the aquatic, also known as traction and recovery.
Aquatic or traction phase
This is the most important phase in the stroke technique because of everything that happens in it. It is even divided into four sub-phases that must be executed correctly if you want to advance within the water surface.
- Entrance
The arm comes from performing the aerial phase, this indicates that it will enter the water again. It is here when the sub-phase of entry into the aquatic phase occurs, the first point to be executed.
The fingers of the hand will be the first to enter the water, specifically the thumb; the palm of it is directed downward and outward as this movement occurs.
For its part, the joints of the wrist and elbow are in semiflexion. Also, the arm is over the shoulder in the forward direction. This sub-phase is the preamble to the propulsion of the arm.
- Grip
Grip is one of the shortest sub-phases of traction. It is a transition in which the arm takes shape before continuing with the technique.
During the catch, the arm should be fully extended into the water, while the wrist is flexed downward and outward. This occurs just before the elbow begins to flex to execute the propulsion.
- Pull
The pull is distinguished as the downward or downward sweep and is the point during which the arm begins to flex at the elbow. In addition, the hand must be kept concave for better propulsion in the water.
The elbow begins to gain height with respect to the position of the hand; The more speed the arm reaches, the more marked the position of the elbow and wrist is noticeable.
- Push
On the other hand, the push is the upward sweep considered as the natural continuation of the pull. This movement is carried out upwards.
In this subphase, the arm begins to extend again. However, the movement is done backward and close to the centerline of the body; in this execution, emphasis is placed on total propulsion in the water.
The hand is positioned at the height of the thigh and that is when the aquatic phase ends, giving way to the elbow exit to begin the next phase.
Air phase or recovery
The aerial phase is distinguished as recovery thanks to the stroke technique. It is practically the way to regain strength and position to return to the pulling phase, a necessary movement for the swimmer. Unlike the aquatic phase, it does not have any sub-phase and the movement is carried out in a single moment.
The elbow rises above the hand, being the first to emerge from the water, immediately accompanied by the forearm, wrist, and hand.
After this movement, you should bring your arm forward. This gesture will cause the arm to extend, although not completely, as the elbow is held above the hand.
To culminate, the arm is above shoulder height, semi-flexed forward. On the other hand, the hand seeks to enter the water again.
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Stroke technique, work constantly
The stroke technique requires constant work in the water. The goal is to develop it correctly to swim well and perform consistent movements in the water.
Remember that this is not learned overnight, you also need to coordinate it along with other techniques, such as breathing and kicking. In the end, everything becomes one style.