Grant Hackett 1500m swim- (Page 2)

louiskie - 2010-02-12 1:26 PM I really like the way his pulls do not seem to be symmetrical. It seems as if he almost dives forward with his right arm, then breathes while pulling with his left, followed by a sort of diving motion forward with his right. Phelps has something similar going on to a certain extent. It is a very cool video- what fantastic access to this kind of thing we have these days!

Ridgelake - 2010-02-12 7:56 PM

One thing to keep in mind is that this is only a 15 minute race.  About the same time as a 5K run for elites.  We all go much more aggressively when racing a 5K than we do at a half or full mary/IM distance.

What would be interesting is to see film of the open water 5K or 10K olympic race.  Then we'd see true distance swimmers in action.

rstocks3 - 2010-02-12 6:39 PM
It doesn't take anything away from my bike or run.

bryancd - 2010-02-12 6:30 PM

.well, that's open for debate....

I kid the BOB!

bryancd - 2010-02-12 8:30 PM ..well, that's open for debate.... I kid the BOB!

louiskie - 2010-02-12 2:26 PM I really like the way his pulls do not seem to be symmetrical. It seems as if he almost dives forward with his right arm, then breathes while pulling with his left, followed by a sort of diving motion forward with his right. Phelps has something similar going on to a certain extent. It is a very cool video- what fantastic access to this kind of thing we have these days!

His turnover is pretty insane.  Not quite Janet Evans insane, but I got tired just watching it.

tjfry - 2010-02-13 11:31 PM
The only video I personally have (if anyone is interested)with that stroke is this oldie  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQ3bWEwghDI but it's a format that you need to get your butt in gear right away or your day is done before you even see a bike.

tjfry - 2010-02-13 11:31 PM I think his pull is textbook, or maybe better than textbook. The uneven rhythm is common but not 100% sure why. My take would be that his stronger arm puts a big pull and then he full extends on his side and streamlined (most efficient position) and the burst of a kick extends the time he can be in that position. I think the difference is, and was mentioned previously, is that his is a 15 minute effort with nothing to do once you touch the wall. In most of the discussions around here the discussion gravitates back to being efficient and saving energy, not maximizing power in the water. Hackett is obviously one of the greatest and this works incredibly for him. Janet Evans is also one of the greatest, and her 2 beat worked for her. Phelps, although he doesn't go long, seems a barely adequate swimmer with his 6 beat (and uneven rhythm). haha. It goes back to how you were taught or the habits you have. I think for most of the folks in our sport I would still recommend learning a 2 beat though. The best of all situations is being able to move from one type of kick to another when the situation called for it.
I have used a very similar stroke at certain races, sometimes it's at the start of a long race or sometimes its the whole swim of a shorter race. The only video I personally have (if anyone is interested)with that stroke is this oldie  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQ3bWEwghDI but it's a format that you need to get your butt in gear right away or your day is done before you even see a bike.

tjfry - 2010-02-13 11:31 PM I The only video I personally have (if anyone is interested)with that stroke is this oldie http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQ3bWEwghDI but it's a format that you need to get your butt in gear right away or your day is done before you even see a bike.

wiky - 2010-02-14 6:19 AM



Nice swimming! 

bryancd - 2010-02-14 12:21 PM x2, that was very cool, TJ! I want to see the rest!

tjfry - 2010-02-14 1:34 PM
Good memories for a has-been!

rstocks3 - 2010-02-12 5:39 PM The point is that if your kick is PRODUCTIVE then use it. It's the non-productive kick that wastes energy and hurts the rest of the triathlon.

tjfry - 2010-02-13 11:31 PM
The only video I personally have (if anyone is interested)with that stroke is this oldie  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQ3bWEwghDI but it's a format that you need to get your butt in gear right away or your day is done before you even see a bike.

bryancd - 2010-02-12 1:29 PM



I do that too. My right arm has a more aggressive entry than my left.

ipull400watts - 2010-02-27 10:42 AM Are there any better videos out there about or with the stronger right hand entry? I found myself doing the same thing but sometimes it may be too aggressive and I do go a bit deeper underwater, and my coach tries to discourage this. However I have found it feels like I get more distance and glide per stroke when doing this. I have begun trying to keep my hands more horizontal when they are out in front to keep me from going to deep. Does this sound like the correct way to go about it?

bufit323 - 2010-02-27 11:56 PM

I swam like this for as long as I can remember, dive into stroke with left hand, only breath to right, right hand enters smoothly. . .  I call it a "diving" stroke.  It worked well for me as a middle distance guy (200-500)

Lately though I developed a shoulder issue in the left arm.  Now I am far more symmetrical (especially in practice).  I have a SCY Masters meet approaching.  We will see if I revert back to diving when I try to drop the hammer.

My problem was that while using this diving technique, I never got my left elbow up in recovery, I never really rotated my body well enough for that to happen.  I was fairly quick (especially by TRI standards); these days, I will take slightly less speed for a lot less pain (at least until I get used to the new form).