How to Reduce Frontal Resistance in Swimming?
Here are some simple tips:
Whilst swimming, frontal resistance is the number one reason to slow down swimming speed. Frontal resistance specifically includes three types: friction resistance, pressure resistance and surface resistance. Relevant research shows that all three types can significantly slow down swimmers' swimming speed. Next, we will share some tips to reduce the frontal resistance so as to make swimming easier.
1. Body alignment.
A curved body will produce more frontal resistance than straight body. Although we need to do some curves to produce more propulsion during swimming, excessive bending of the body will do more harm than good. Too many curves or too large an angle will lead to a substantial increase in frontal resistance. Keeping the body aligned at all times is the correct approach.
2. High elbow recovery.
Of the four swimming strokes, the movement of the upper arm will cause most of the front resistance. By keeping the elbow closer to the water surface (except backstroke) and more consistent with the body movement, the frontal resistance caused by the forward movement of the upper arm during stroke can be reduced.
3. Kick beat.
In freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke, the kick beat rhythm must be fast to help reduce the frontal resistance. For freestyle and backstroke, this also means that the knees cannot be bent excessively, while in breaststroke, this means keeping both knees equal their distance between the hip or inside the hip.
4. Fitted swimsuit and cap.
Swimsuits and caps that are too loose will increase the frontal resistance. When swimming, we should choose swimming trunks that fit properly and swimming caps that can completely wrap the head. If necessary, we can choose some functional swimsuits. This kind of swimsuits are made of fabrics that reduce resistance of water so that they are of great help to improve swimming speed.
By reducing the front resistance, the swimming efficiency can be effectively improved, thus achieving the effect of improving the swimming speed.