How to Use the Arms in Freestyle Swimming

Video Transcript

"In this section of freestyle swim--this is the sixth step. I just finished explaining to you about the hands, having them closed, and the reason you have them closed--now I'm going to be showing you the form you'll be using. So, what you'll be doing is, you want to come out of the water, and when you place your hands into the water, you don't just slap the water. You don't ever just slap the water. You want to make sure that they come in at an angle. So, good example, this is the water, you want to come in at an angle, and then reach as far as you can--as far as your arm can go fully extended--and then you'll form an S and pull back, when you're doing freestyle swim. So, let me show you the other side. Hand closed. Always remember, hand closed. This is what's going to be pulling you towards the water. If you wonder why someone's faster than you, this is definitely one of the main reasons why. So, you bring your arm out, your elbows up. When you reach for the water don't slap. Just make sure you come in at a slightly angle, about a slight forty-five degree angle, and once you enter the water, then you're just going to completely stretch. Fully extend that arm. But, remember on your shoulders, not to be moving them side to side, so they're just straight. Always keep your shoulders straight. So you'll stretch full, stretch the other one full, and you'll pull back with each arm. So, that's the sixth step of freestyle swimming. All right, for the freestyle there's some continuation with step six. So, your hands are closed, and now--here's the water--instead of slapping the water, which is what a lot of people do, you'll see people swimming, and they'll slap the water. No, you don't want to do that. You actually want to come in at a slight angle, and you can see how my hand reaches all the way, and then pull. Slight angle--so like this. Now let me show you real quick. Watch how my hands go at a slight angle."