How I Transformed My High Elbow Catch | Freestyle Technique Tips

There were three things that had the biggest impact on my freestyle catch:
1. Hand height
2. High elbow doesn't mean 'near the surface'
3. It's the 'setup' phase, not the power phase

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[christophwienands]

Wanted to add something to your point about not pulling/pushing too hard during the catch setup phase. Pushing/pulling hard and fast while your arm is up front will result in a downward force, which is not only wasted effort (it's not pushing you forward) but will additionally lift up your upper body and push your legs deeper into the water (your air-filled lungs act like a pivot), increasing drag on top of it all.

[StephenBiggers]

Thanks for your videos! I'm 60 and began lap swimming due to covid 19. Your videos taught me so much I lost 25 lbs since mid-June and the skills I have learned has also improved my golf game as well.

[Mrvulur]

Best description of the high elbow catch I've ever seen so far.

[jasonito]

This was very helpful. Thank you. I'm a beginner at 42 years old and feel very weak curling my forearm down in the extended position. I've been doing a 1000 in the ocean every day for a month and this made my time go from around 19 minutes to 17

[TheHutch]

A huge thanks. After watch this. It clicked into place. It all about loading up that catch, to power through under the body. Gives rotation and helps breathing all in one motion for me.

[AaronRossman]

Love your videos, mate! So helpful and quite honestly have me hooked on swimming again as more than just a way to get fit, but a passion and something I want to get better at :)

[kstbox]

I increased my swim time from 1.50/100 to 1.30/100 just watching your vids, thanks so much for the content! Looking to break under 30 mins in my iron man 70.3 this weekend

[maymie]

I’m so glad that this was brought up, and it makes total sense. I’m a beginner swimmer learning the freestyle and I was told to pull really hard and I especially found it difficult and draggy, and just kept wondering if this was really the only way. But I’m glad to know there was a reason behind it!! Thanks!!

[tmsztrsz]

eye opening - high elbow being above the arm-hand line and not high=close to the water surface - is a gamechanger

[apracticeofpeace]

Wow! This is such a helpful explanation. I was doing some of the things you mentioned attempting to get that "high elbow".

[Alex-krzr]

Best description of the high elbow catch I've seen so far. The tip about the front arm depth is very valuable as well. I also thought I have to keep it on the surface of the water. One question regarding the leg stroke: Why do you interrupt the leg kick during the breath?

[bronxcheer]

Cheers brenton - this is your best freestyle video

[FabricioSolano]

This is very informative and clear. Great correction points you make and making sense of everything helps a lot. I am 43 year old thriatlete new to the sport and trying to improve. You talk of experience which really makes a diference and you really know what you are talking about. Thank for the help!

[Cachoeira]

This video alone have so many gems. I necessary, watch it over and over again like me untill you catch all details, it's worth it. 🏊‍♂🏊‍♀🏊🌅

[MsAngelPixie]

Super off topic but your ankle flexibility is level 1, 000, 000 i lost some of that during my years away from the sport but am working on getting it back!
What are your thoughts on coaches' advice about "swimming downhill"? I think it is relevant to the topic of figertip entry and depth (i struggle with that and am working on it). I was trying to not let my fingertips float up by attempting to "swim downhill" but for me i ended up burying my head too deep, rounding the shoulders slightly and losing my great "tall and proud" posture a bit, to where i was feeling bogged down (losta resistance I guess). Just recently watched your video on Park and noticed how he looks like he is almost puffing his chest out as he is swimming and remembered an older video of yours explaining the posture. So i have been paying attention to that as well for the past week or so.
Thank you for sharing your journey to your best and most suitable technique!

[carlosmonllor]

Congratulations from Spain. Very usefull. Thanks a lot😊

[maryemerypalmer]

Caught me at what I have been doing and can now correct. thanks!

[amerinasr]

Dont know much about swimming. But from 00:00 to 00:20 your rythim is hypnotising!

[kristinetimmons]

Thank you for many helpful videos. You are an excellent teacher. My freestyle is finally improving.

[pinarofdag]

As always perfect tips with the most clear explanation.. Thank you, helps alot !