How Not To Swim Freestyle (Top 4 Freestyle Stroke Mistakes)

Ok, let's check out how freestyle is NOT suppose to be swam for a change. In this post we examine a short video where you will see a front view of a freestyle swimmer who is swimming against the current in a small swim flume (endless pool) which is then shown on the image at the end of the post.


These endless swimming pools are quite nice, especially if combined with a front snorkel depicted on the second picture. This way you could practice a perfect freestyle swimming stroke without being distracted with flip turns or breathing. However, Let's get back to our front view freestyle video analysis.

I am not sure who this person is, but I'll point out a few obvious bad mistakes he is doing, so perhaps he will appreciate this review. First, play the video all the way through and then play it again and try to figure out yourself what he is doing right and what he is doing wrong. Then click below to see the entire post to see if you correctly identified some of the most common freestyle stroke technique mistakes
OK, here it is:


1.) Why is he looking at the camera? His eyes should be pointing toward the bottom of the pool and his neck should not have any wrinkles. Why do you need to look down? More information can be found in the body position post.

2.) Imagine a line going through his body which would split him in two halves (right and left). Now check out his hands and where they enter into the water. The hands should never reach over to the other half (passed the axis). This causes the swimmer to snake through the water instead of going in as streamlined of a position as possible.

3.)From our view, the left hand is tilted with the palm out when it enters the water. That shouldn't really happen. He could catch a lot more water if he would point his palm more toward the bottom of the pool. Also, such a hand entry is the major cause of shoulder injuries, so be careful here.

4.) Stretch, stretch, stretch. Check out how on some of the strokes his elbow is still bend and he is already starting a movement through the water. He should reach forward as far as possible to find his catch and role a little more to each side in order to achieve this. On the other hand, notice how he is keeping his head steady and only the sholders rotate, this is a very good indication of a sprint freestyle stroke.

5.) I'd also like to point out that the hand on the left from our view, when in the water, goes too far to the left when grabbing the water. He should concentrate to go more under his body with his arms, thus putting less stress on his shoulder and being more streamlined.

I am sure you can think of a few more things that are wrong with the video. Please don't be shy to share them with us on the comments section. To get your started on your way to an effortless and efficient swimming, check out our introduction to better body and head position in the water while swimming How Not To Swim Freestyle (Top 4 Freestyle Stroke Mistakes)


8 comments Ok, let's check out how freestyle is NOT suppose to be swam for a change. In this post we examine a short video where you will see a front view of a freestyle swimmer who is swimming against the current in a small swim flume (endless pool) which is then shown on the image at the end of the post.

These endless swimming pools are quite nice, especially if combined with a front snorkel depicted on the second picture. This way you could practice a perfect freestyle swimming stroke without being distracted with flip turns or breathing. However, Let's get back to our front view freestyle video analysis.

I am not sure who this person is, but I'll point out a few obvious bad mistakes he is doing, so perhaps he will appreciate this review. First, play the video all the way through and then play it again and try to figure out yourself what he is doing right and what he is doing wrong. Then click below to see the entire post to see if you correctly identified some of the most common freestyle stroke technique mistakes.

OK, here it is:



1.) Why is he looking at the camera? His eyes should be pointing toward the bottom of the pool and his neck should not have any wrinkles. Why do you need to look down? More information can be found in the body position post.



2.) Imagine a line going through his body which would split him in two halves (right and left). Now check out his hands and where they enter into the water. The hands should never reach over to the other half (passed the axis). This causes the swimmer to snake through the water instead of going in as streamlined of a position as possible.



3.)From our view, the left hand is tilted with the palm out when it enters the water. That shouldn't really happen. He could catch a lot more water if he would point his palm more toward the bottom of the pool. Also, such a hand entry is the major cause of shoulder injuries, so be careful here.



4.) Stretch, stretch, stretch. Check out how on some of the strokes his elbow is still bend and he is already starting a movement through the water. He should reach forward as far as possible to find his catch and role a little more to each side in order to achieve this. On the other hand, notice how he is keeping his head steady and only the sholders rotate, this is a very good indication of a sprint freestyle stroke.



5.) I'd also like to point out that the hand on the left from our view, when in the water, goes too far to the left when grabbing the water. He should concentrate to go more under his body with his arms, thus putting less stress on his shoulder and being more streamlined.



I am sure you can think of a few more things that are wrong with the video. Please don't be shy to share them with us on the comments section. To get your started on your way to an effortless and efficient swimming, check out our introduction to better body and head position in the water while swimming freestyle.