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Preserving Energy in
Butterfly
This week’s Speedo Tip of the Week comes from Russell Mark,
USA Swimming’s director of biomechanics. Mark offers some
advice on preserving energy in the butterfly.
Mark’s Tip:
The hard part for most people in butterfly isn’t when the
arms are pulling underwater and doing all the work to move the body
forward. It’s in the transition
from the finish to the recovery, when there’s no water
resistance. Why is that?? The shoulder muscles are naturally used a lot in
that motion, but I think you should take notice of how high your
hands are above your hips when you start the recovery. The higher your arm is out of the water and above
your hips at that first part of the recovery, the tighter
it’ll make your shoulders. Keep
your hands and arms close to the water at all times, and also think
about keeping your hips up and keeping your body horizontal on the
water when you take a breath. A good
second kick and a strong finish to your pull are things that could
help too.
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