Drills for High Elbow Catch?

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2010-05-26 4:03 PM

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Subject: Drills for High Elbow Catch?
I need a little swim help.... I think my form isn't terrible (I haven't video taped myself - maybe I can get someone to do that for me one of these days), but I know I drop my elbow, especially when I stroke with my right arm. My left arm seems to me to be better in that respect. It's something I've been trying to work on. Drills I use to work on it include shark fin, one arm, and to some extent catch up (slowing the stroke allows me to focus on each arm independently a little better). I've tried to do some sculling drills, too, but I'm not very good at those.... Any other suggestions or tips to work on keeping my elbow high during the catch?

2010-05-27 12:06 PM
in reply to: #2884323

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Subject: RE: Drills for High Elbow Catch?
Try these two!

Zipper Drill: During your recovery, act as if you are "Zipping" up your side. Run your hand along your side from hip to armpit.

Finger Tip Drag: During your recovery, drag your fingertips along the top of the water.


Both of these should help.


Good Luck!

Will



2010-05-27 12:20 PM
in reply to: #2884323

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Subject: RE: Drills for High Elbow Catch?
http://www.tri-zone.com/Details.html?cat=35&item=FNFHP

I put those on towards the beginning of a session and somewhere near the end to see if my hands/arms get sloppy as the session goes on and I start getting tired. If you feel it in your shoulders, you're not doing the high elbow thing. If you feel it in your lats and back, you are.
2010-05-27 2:19 PM
in reply to: #2884323

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Subject: RE: Drills for High Elbow Catch?
jsnowash - 2010-05-26 4:03 PM

Any other suggestions or tips to work on keeping my elbow high during the catch?


Have you tried swimming with a Stroke Thought of "Keep your armpit OPEN for as long as possible."

If you're swimming in a pool try some 25s with that thought. Swim the first 4 to 5 strokes without breathing, to allow yourself undistracted focus on that thought. Then breathe bilaterally the rest of the way. Stay with 25s for a while, at least until you feel the change begin to "register" in your brain.

Let me/us know if that has any effect.
2010-05-27 2:21 PM
in reply to: #2884323

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Subject: RE: Drills for High Elbow Catch?
During your longer sets like 200's, using the drills mixed in with some normal swimming will also help you to focus on proper techinique.  Something like 50 fingertip drag, 50 zipper, 100 normal. 
2010-05-27 4:26 PM
in reply to: #2886674

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Subject: RE: Drills for High Elbow Catch?
Total Immersion - 2010-05-27 3:19 PM

jsnowash - 2010-05-26 4:03 PM

Any other suggestions or tips to work on keeping my elbow high during the catch?


Have you tried swimming with a Stroke Thought of "Keep your armpit OPEN for as long as possible."

If you're swimming in a pool try some 25s with that thought. Swim the first 4 to 5 strokes without breathing, to allow yourself undistracted focus on that thought. Then breathe bilaterally the rest of the way. Stay with 25s for a while, at least until you feel the change begin to "register" in your brain.

Let me/us know if that has any effect.


I like that! I think I'll try to work that one in.... Thanks!

2010-05-27 5:41 PM
in reply to: #2884323

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Subject: RE: Drills for High Elbow Catch?
Zipper and finger tip yep the best way.  Just add one arm drills and you got it.
2010-05-27 5:57 PM
in reply to: #2886195

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Subject: RE: Drills for High Elbow Catch?

I can't tell how you hold those paddles.  Are there any elastic bands or anything on those?  Also, what you said is exactly what my Master's coach said to me today.  Save your shoulders, get your elbow higher in your catch and use your lats more.  She also said to work on the recovery, essentially describing what the zipper drill does, in that you use your lats to pick up your elbow in the recovery. 

I would have never thought that correct recovery would lead to (or be related with) propper catch, but it evidently does.

2010-05-27 6:26 PM
in reply to: #2884323

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Subject: RE: Drills for High Elbow Catch?
Help me understand what these drills are trying to reinforce. Both seem like they are working on a high elbow during the recovery, i.e. when the arm is out of the water. Which, I think I understand. But I also seem to think that I've read that the elbow should be high during the catch, i.e. with the arm underwater and pulling through. I also read the OP's question as asking about a high elbow during this part of the stroke. Am I missing something? I have I think the same question, e.g., drills to help keep the elbow high during the catch, e.g. under water.

Thanks.
2010-05-27 6:28 PM
in reply to: #2887240

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Subject: RE: Drills for High Elbow Catch?
rc63413 - 2010-05-27 6:57 PM

I can't tell how you hold those paddles.  Are there any elastic bands or anything on those? 



Surgical tubing that goes around your middle finger. If your hand does anything but a smooth entry, pull, exit, it'll twist on you and you know it's screwed up.
2010-05-27 10:24 PM
in reply to: #2884323

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Subject: RE: Drills for High Elbow Catch?
The OP is asking about elbow position during the stroking phase, which Terry's stroke thought addresses. Zipper/fingertip drag drill are recovery drills which will not necessarily address the OPs question. Just in case anyone else was confused reading this as I was at first by the mixed answers.

Try Terry's stroke thought and see how it goes.


2010-05-28 5:49 AM
in reply to: #2887280

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Subject: RE: Drills for High Elbow Catch?
kmac1346 - 2010-05-27 7:26 PM

Help me understand what these drills are trying to reinforce. Both seem like they are working on a high elbow during the recovery, i.e. when the arm is out of the water. Which, I think I understand. But I also seem to think that I've read that the elbow should be high during the catch, i.e. with the arm underwater and pulling through. I also read the OP's question as asking about a high elbow during this part of the stroke. Am I missing something? I have I think the same question, e.g., drills to help keep the elbow high during the catch, e.g. under water.

Thanks.


You're correct about what I was asking.....

Another thought -- I think part of the problem (for me) is in my rotation. For whatever reason, I'm not rotating as much when I stroke with my right arm - i.e., I am flatter/less streamlined in the water. If I can improve my rotation, I think that will help, too.

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