Step #2 is The Tuck – the transition between hands on the wall…and feet on the wall. The tighter and more compact you make your body during the tuck, the faster you’ll spin, and the faster you’ll be when you push off. Remember: Speed in equals speed out. A tight tuck increases your speed going into the wall. COMMON ERRORS
This swimmer barely tucks his body at all. He sends all his energy up, rather than into and out of the wall. Start with your hands on the wall, eyes and head down, and body stretched out. Then, as fast as you can, tuck up your legs, and bring both feet to the wall. Make this move quick, and try to nail it with speed and efficiency. Keep your eyes down, and use your hands, arms, and stomach muscles to help pull up your legs. The key to speed during The Tuck is your feet. Notice how Dave keeps his toes pointed and then hides his feet by tucking them up under his body. If you look closely, you’ll see that he even overlaps his feet to reduce surface area and drag. This young swimmer also keeps her feet hidden until the last possible moment. COMMON ERRORS
If you hook your feet too early, as this swimmer does, you must drag them through the water. This can slow down your rotation, and interrupt the flow of your turn. Watch Dave, and think about hiding your feet and staying in a tight ball.
|