General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Swim Strokes per 25m? Rss Feed  
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2005-05-13 11:18 AM

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Subject: Swim Strokes per 25m?
There are a couple of threads here about swim speeds and the answers ultimately mention strokes per lap. I know that ideally you swim as efficient as possible and thus use as few strokes as possible.

My question, and it's silly in a semantic sort of way, is: Do most people include a reasonable push off the wall in their count? I ask because my stroke count is about 20/25m. It used to be 25 but I've been swimming with a masters team for a few months and I've worked it down to 20. When I count I basically just start swimming at the wall without a push off.

Most people (total immersion included) suggest your stroke is still inefficent if you are above 18 or so. I'm trying to determine if I'm still terribly inefficient or just counting wrong. It's more for mental piece of mind than anything else.

Thanks.



2005-05-13 11:47 AM
in reply to: #157122

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Subject: RE: Swim Strokes per 25m?
Me personally, i barely push. ive wondered the same thing
2005-05-13 11:49 AM
in reply to: #157122

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Subject: RE: Swim Strokes per 25m?
Growing up swimming I've always pushed off the wall and streamlined underwater.

My lung capacity isn't what it used to be so I don't stay underwater too long but I push off the wall.

I haven't been in the pool too much lately but my stroke count seems to be consistantly around 15. Since we all treat the wall differently I'm not sure that that number means much to anyone but me.

I'm sure I could dive off the block and make it to the other side with about 8 strokes..

If you just make sure to count the same way everytime you'll be able to keep up with your progress. as for TI claiming 18 or under.. I guess you'd need to find out when they start counting those 18 strokes..

Good work on the improvement!

Will

2005-05-13 11:57 AM
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Subject: RE: Swim Strokes per 25m?
It's not only stroke count that matters. It's the speed in which it takes to swim the distance PLUS stroke count. There will be some threshhold that it starts to work negatively, where either you either need to improve your technique or you just can't decrease anymore without sacrificing speed.

A more accurate exercise would be to do something called swim golf. Here's a link to explain how to use it: http://www.lwcoaching.com/library/SwimGolf.htm
2005-05-13 12:47 PM
in reply to: #157122

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Subject: RE: Swim Strokes per 25m?
Brand new swimmer - stroke count for 25m right around 24-26. Need some work!!
2005-05-13 2:58 PM
in reply to: #157122

Subject: RE: Swim Strokes per 25m?
Swimming a few months.. and still at 25+ strokes.
Haven't tried master's.. though I did take a short TI clinic and some other lessons.
I can't figure it why I'm not moving through the water very well.

I've improved endurance though, so I should be able to finish my first tri ... albeit at a snail's pace. hehe


2005-05-13 3:23 PM
in reply to: #157148

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Subject: RE: Swim Strokes per 25m?
auto208562 - 2005-05-13 11:57 AM

It's not only stroke count that matters. It's the speed in which it takes to swim the distance PLUS stroke count. There will be some threshhold that it starts to work negatively, where either you either need to improve your technique or you just can't decrease anymore without sacrificing speed.

A more accurate exercise would be to do something called swim golf. Here's a link to explain how to use it: http://www.lwcoaching.com/library/SwimGolf.htm


That is a good idea (and a great link; thanks). Of course, I'm already worried that my swim golf score will match my grass golf score ( > 100)
2005-05-13 3:36 PM
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Subject: RE: Swim Strokes per 25m?
Sedward3 - 2005-05-13 9:18 AM

There are a couple of threads here about swim speeds and the answers ultimately mention strokes per lap. I know that ideally you swim as efficient as possible and thus use as few strokes as possible.

My question, and it's silly in a semantic sort of way, is: Do most people include a reasonable push off the wall in their count? I ask because my stroke count is about 20/25m. It used to be 25 but I've been swimming with a masters team for a few months and I've worked it down to 20. When I count I basically just start swimming at the wall without a push off.

Most people (total immersion included) suggest your stroke is still inefficent if you are above 18 or so. I'm trying to determine if I'm still terribly inefficient or just counting wrong. It's more for mental piece of mind than anything else.

Thanks.


I've been swimming since December, and I take around 18-19 strokes per 25 yards with a normal push-off, streamlining, and minimal kick. My swim golf score is 76. For comparison, my wife tried the swim golf thing the other day and scored 59! Then again, she was a D1 collegiate swimmer, and a good one at that.

bock
2005-05-13 4:26 PM
in reply to: #157122

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Subject: RE: Swim Strokes per 25m?
I'm between 25-28 strokes for 25 yds. I try not to push off that much, feel like I work a little harder, since I won't have a wall to use in a lake.
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