The propulsion of the swimmer in swimming

In an aquatic environment, the body loses its ground support and must find another alternative to be able to propel itself and reduce resistance to progress. Swimming pool guide explains the concept of propulsion in swimming, how to improve it and what mistakes to avoid with lifeguard training.

Propulsion or active resistance

In swimming, the propulsion is done thanks to solid supports but also mainly liquids. Solid supports are made at the time of departure, whether it is a dive start or a push against the wall with the feet, and at the time of turns. These solid supports are very interesting because they allow you to gain speed while providing less physical effort. The swimmers' times are also better in the 25 m pool than in the 50 m pool because they have more bends and therefore more solid support. 

On the other hand, liquid support is done during the swimming phases when the swimmer takes support in the water to move forward. We also speak of active resistance because it is a resistance that helps to propulsion in water. The swimmer's propulsion depends mainly on taking support in the water. To propel themselves, the swimmer will have to use the palms of the hands, the fingers, the internal face of the forearms and the arms as well as the front face of the feet and the legs ( in crawl ) and the soles of the feet and the internal face of the legs (in breaststroke).

How to improve propulsion in swimming?

To improve its propulsion , it is important, above all, to reduce the resistance to progress. This involves a better body position in the water and a better placement of the hands, arms and legs. You can then focus on propulsion . First of all, remember to orient your hand well under water. It must be perpendicular to the movement. Also use the inner side of your forearms as if it were an oar to “catch” as much water as possible. Keep your fingers tight and draw an S as you bring your arm back. Feel free to exhale harder at this time and speed up the arm movement with lifeguard events.

When your hand enters the water, get your supports as far as possible and also as deep as possible so as to always "catch" as much water as possible. By keeping your arms just below the surface of the water, your movements will be much less efficient. You can also do educational exercises to improve your handstand. Swim the front crawl with closed fists to better use your forearms, with a pull-buoy to focus on your arms or with a kickboard to work on your kicking. To assess your progress, count your number of arm strokes at each length and try to reduce them.

Mistakes to avoid

The most common mistake swimmers make is to increase the number of strokes and kicks to propel themselves further. On the contrary, favor ample movements, support grips far in front and accelerations of the arms under water . Try to coordinate your arm movements well so as not to break the swimming rhythm and lose speed.

Also Read About Swimming: THE BENEFITS OF SWIMMING ON PHYSICAL HEALTH