d the forces produced are not in the desired direction throughout the pull (Sanders, 2000).The legs kick up and down in a steady flutter kick throughout the stroke. After the catch is made, the swimmer enters the most propulsive phase of the stroke. The movement should be "the same movement a gymnast would use in performing the iron cross on the still rings. The only difference between the gymnastic and swimming actions is in the flexion of the swimmer's elbows to increase the mechanical advantage of the arm's lever system. This position also fits beautifully the position needed to apply force backward with the hand and forearm that is required in the drag theory of propulsion" (Adams, 2000). The elbow is held high and the body has begun to roll. As the body rolls, the pulling arm passes under the chest and the elbow achieves its maximum bend. The other arm prepares to enter the water, directly in front of the shoulder. As the swimmer completes the pull with the follow-through, he or she begins to rotate his or her head to the recovering side to inhale. As the swimmer inhales, his or her body achieves its maximum roll. His or her other hand enters the water to begin the next stroke. The overall idea is to achieve maximum results with minimal effort. "Good swimmers avoid wasting energy by allowing muscles to relax during the non-propulsive parts of the arm and leg actions. Poorer swimmers over-control their recovery in an attempt to maintain good form whereas good swimmers have a very relaxed appearance during the arm recovery" (Sanders, 2000).The flippered simmer (Ian Thorpe) has the sensation that the arm stroke is too easy, especially during the early positioning phase of the stroke. It is my opinion that this is what Ian Thorpe must feel as he swims. And, knowing the size (17) and flexibility exhibited in Thorpe's feet, the advantage of superior body structure only adds to an already efficient technique. The inertial ...
