[mmoonptdeux]

1) Does anyone know how much drafting behind someone's wake saves energy-wise? We were forced three or four to a lane in the pool last night (the Boy Scouts took over a couple lanes to earn their swimming merit badges) and I noticed how much easier it felt when I was behind someone as opposed to being the lead dog, so to speak.<br><br>
2) Is there any benefit to learning other strokes other than freestyle in terms of improving your speed on the freestyle? I've seen many a swimmer alternate between the three or four strokes during their sets and if that would much help to upping my speed on the free (I do know how to backstroke, but can't do any of the other ones)?

 

[Tri_coach06]

1) Lots. I don't tknow the exact number, I wold guess up to 15%<br><br>
2) The otehr strokes will give you a break and strengthen the shoulders while still working the aerobic engine. Also the break will allow you to have better/fresher form when you go back to free. You don't want to reinforce bad stroke technique.<br><br>
CS

 

[3chilipeppers]

Backstroke finish is much like freestyle finish, so I find doing backstroke now and then gives some of my muscles a rest while still working on the finish (that's my weakness, but it's much better now, and I'm faster!) I also roll well on backstroke, so it helps with my free body roll some. Plus, I get to breathe the whole time while doing backstroke. I often do backstroke for my cool down.

 

[mmoonptdeux]

Thanks for the input Kelli & Sheldon.<br><br>
I do throw in backstroke to break things up as well, but I was starting to think that maybe learning a third stroke might help add some variety to the routine and use some muscles in different ways.

 

[em73]

just be careful with breastroke if you have wonky knees - the whip kick can aggravate some peep's knees.

 

[3chilipeppers]

Yeah, I was a breast stroker, and the kick didn't bother me, but it could bother some people (especially if you do it wrong). I really can't see much that breast stroke would help with, but it is a good resting stroke to keep moving in the water. It is great for sighting as well. Don't even worry about butterfly!! I can only make it about 50m butterfly, then I have to rest with something else. My event was IM (Individual Medley), but butterfly was first, so I could get that out of the way while I was fresh, then I got to do my two best -- back and breast. I'd pull ahead enough there so that my freestyle didn't have to be that fast. That's why I was never really a great freestyler. I'm getting better now!

 

[melonella]

1) Consider how much drafting on the bike helps, then consider how much more resistive water is than air. Find the right spot, and drafting is a big deal. Staying in that spot, however, is the challenge.<br><br>
2) I'm a proponent of butterfly to help with freestyle -- helps build strength, helps develop water feel, and it helps reinforce where the power in your kick should come from.