How to improve grip in swimming?

Every element of swimming technique is crucial to good performance. In this note, we tell you everything you need to know about grip and how to optimize it. 

Swimming is one of the most complete exercises that exists in terms of the number of muscles that work simultaneously and the benefits it provides for health, but what is complete is complex. Swimmers must learn to coordinate different parts of the body at the same time and pay attention to correct details in the techniques to achieve better results.

It is about working both the upper and lower body of our body in a synchronized way and, at the same time, getting to record the movements in the body memory to be able to enjoy the exercise without thinking about it, as we do when riding a bicycle or even when walking, that we don't stop to think about which leg we should move.

For some beginners this task may be impossible, which is why we always repeat that in order to swim like a professional, the important thing is not the intensity of the exercise but the quality and perseverance in the training with Lifeguard Recertification.

 In the same way, the practice of exercises to specifically work on the different elements of swimming techniques are of great help to refine the practice and facilitate learning.

What is the grip in swimming?

In each of the four styles in which the practice of swimming is divided, a stroke is made that is divided into two phases: the first is the grip and the second is the pull and push, also known as traction.

In the catch phase, what the swimmer does is introduce the arm underwater and position it so that, with the traction force, a displacement is executed that propels it forward.

However, as we said that it is a complex sport, the gesture of the catch under the surface of the water is only one element of the propulsive movement in swimming that must be carried out with an adequate technique, but also in coordination with the kick movement and the rest of the movement. body.

How should the grip be in swimming? 

The main thing to achieve a good grip is that we can feel and visualize that we are looking for an accurate point of support with our hand to push our body forward, bringing the water towards our feet. Try to get your hand into the water gently, without hitting or splashing, sliding it as if caressing the water.

To get the best support we will need to position our forearm so that we have the maximum surface of support or grip of water. This is why, during the recovery, we will raise the elbow to the surface and our hand will enter with the palm extended in search of the best position to generate resistance with American Lifeguard Events Vienna.

When is it time to train a better grip? 

The exercise of the different elements that constitute the swimming technique are vital to polish our performance. However, in the case of the grip, it is recommended that the exercises be performed when the swimmer masters a good hydrodynamic position. Otherwise, he will tend to waste energy and could end up getting frustrated by not noticing improvements.

A good way to achieve a good position of the forearm, for the gripping process, is to imagine that under our arm we have a giant ball like the ones used for pilates or yoga. So the swimmer should visualize the process in three phases:

•     The first in which he rests his arm on the ball.
•     A second moment in which he takes her with his arm in order to get the most support.
•     The last stage of the phase in which he exerts pressure on it to push it towards the feet.

What exercises can I do to have a better grip in swimming? 

Once underwater balance is achieved, swimmers can begin to fine-tune their grip technique through different exercises such as:

    Subsurface training with the arm perpendicular to the body: it is about floating face down trying our best point of support underwater, with the hand pointing to the bottom of the pool. Repeat the exercise with one arm and with the other helping the body to memorize the movement.

    Swimming with closed fists: This minor change in our exercise will force the body to support the forearm to achieve a greater grip to exert the propulsive force with Lifeguard Recertification near me.

Good grip in swimming is a very important movement that will determine the effectiveness of the rest of the swimming technique. Similarly, good grip practice will tend to prevent common injuries such as swimmer's shoulder. Are you ready to refine your grip?