What Is High Elbow Swimming? | 4 Tips For Freestyle Swimming Technique

Would you like to swim faster? Of course you do. One of the best ways to do this is to focus on high elbow swimming. But what on earth is high elbow swimming? Heather & Mark are here to explain and bring you 4 tips to improve it!
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Would you like to swim faster? Of course you do. Well one of the best ways to do this is to focus on high elbow swimming. But what on earth is high elbow swimming?!
We hear this phrase time and time again - and for a good reason might we add - but what does it mean exactly? Heather & Mark are here to explain and bring you 4 tips to improve it!
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[@gtn]

What's the best bit of swimming advice anyone has ever given you? Leave us a comment!

[@Justin-fx7mr]

Global Triathlon Network You guys are always killing it with the uploads. Just what I needed. Fraser was hilarious yesterday “we’ve acquired some, might you even say, blurry, sneaky photos”

[@macmurfy2jka]

Global Triathlon Network for a good catch imagine that you are pushing with your hands as apposed to pulling with them. Imagine that you are trying to lift yourself out of the pool, forwards.

[@leventakn6448]

There are actually many good advices here and there. The one you have given about not gliding too much so that not losing the momentum is one of them.

[@peterparahuz7094]

Instead of securing big paddles (like those at 4:19) to your thumb and wrist with the rubber bands, try holding the paddles in your hands against your inside wrist and forearm. Hold the paddles lightly - just hard enough so they do not fall out of your hand. In this setup, high elbow position will push the paddle against your wrist and forearm during the catch. Low elbow position will cause the paddle to fall away from your wrist and forearm.

[@leventakn6448]

Chloe Sutton gives a tip about independently turning your head after breathing before recovery hand passes shoulder level. But I think even high level swimmers don't follow this strictly. Still when it happens effortlessly, I feel balanced and techniquely secure.

[@Thrash155]

The one thing that really improved my High Elbow catch was ISO Arm drills with a Kick Board. Swim 25 with the Left with your right hand on the kick board then 25 with your right, left hand on kick board. Maintain a good 4 beat kick while your doing the drill to re-enforce timing.

[@Mfbarnett55]

“Pushing down “ is dangerous as it will result in shoulder injury (ask any swim physio). The hand/arm moves in a downward curve into the pull while driving forward and holding the water.

[@edwarding4355]

I finally figured the.feel of not pushing down. No injuries. Lats are sore because they are actually working properly.

[@joemuthui8682]

I've been swimming for 8 months now and this is my 3rd time watching this video and now I know what you're talking about when you say "feel of the water". Amazing how good your timing gets!

[@UltraLUXE2010]

Many thanks, have an excellent swimming year everyone!

[@christopherrogers3069]

As a physio and a swimmer myself I would recommend the two in this video prioritize many other parts of the stroke before focusing on high elbow. Their entry timing is way off (look up front quadrant swimming), their entry-glide is too long (creates drag), and there is crossing over of the arms (shoulder injury). Working on high elbow whilst the rest of their stroke is so wonky is like building a race car engine but not having tires

[@l87989]

Principalmente a mulher! Entrada da braçada cruzando a cabeça, finalização cruzando a linha central do corpo, quadril em 90°graus na hora da respiração, quadrante todo errado! Jesus

[@naomiewambugu2358]

As a swimming coach,I have learned and will share with my swimmers..... Thanks and blessings

[@AdrienFloor]

Thank you very much for the qualities of these instructional videos. Would you do a playlist per discipline for the "How To" category ? Like one for swimming, one for cycling, and one for running ? There are so many of these videos that if you want to come back to one in particular, it's a mess to find the one you are looking for ... :) Keep up the good work and thanks again so much !

[@MrMooney123456]

thanks guys for this video, it really helped to improve my high elbow.. awesome

[@titotedtv8346]

Clenched fist swimming and sculling are my two fave drills for high elbow swimming.

[@allezvenga7617]

Thanks for your sharing

[@swimwise7996]

Great content , an app that track your SWim trends will keep you on the right path

[@abishekjain9771]

Thanks for guiding

[@mindastephens2393]

Fantastic tip

[@judithpool8177]

Best explanation ever.❤

[@zzsql]

Thanks. Been struggling to get fast in the pool for years and this helps. I usually fight the water, trying to power my way through the swim as if it were a bike where that works. Reaching over the barrel tactic seems to help the most.

[@vincentcorleone4951]

i like when you tell the "logic" of the key movements more than just showing the movement 🙋

[@kf_isher1149]

Great vid ty

[@user-ud9lc6iz7z]

thanks it was great

[@saqibhussain1354]

Thank you

[@katycoyte6442]

Very helpful and inspirational video - thank you!

[@heatherfell_oly]

Our pleasure Katy :)

[@tarekbenmahammed9778]

Thanks

[@jitendrabhadasia8307]

Water is the best teacher, feel water and understand mechanics of swimming while cool down or drill set

[@TheAndrisyahriza]

Great!

[@patrickmare1253]

good job

[@babberoobedoo]

Useful tips thanks for this, definitely something I struggle with

[@lwittrock1]

Great show, love all the advise, and great tips!

[@heatherfell_oly]

Thanks Len :)

[@user-ji2li6fp6s]

映像見るたびにわかりやすくひじうにやくに成っています。

[@jatinmaharao6888]

One drill I like is - once the pull is done and the hand reaches near the waist / thigh, bring the hand in front with the palm touching your body all through out the movement. It gives a good sense of how high the elbow can actually go. Hows Kona going Mark?

[@IsmaelDiazIAGoupeFinancier]

Once again thank you guys ! I shall try that on my next training

[@heatherfell_oly]

Thanks Ismael, let us know how you get on.

[@eddiekim4666]

High elbow needs strong kick so you don’t stall. Great video!

[@artimanya]

You are just Fabulous, perfect pace of sharing your know how and beautiful succint diction. Great possitive feedbak and imagery which I find to be the best way to teach new ways to move for our bodies. Listening to the two of you is time well spent and a lovely experience. Gracias !

[@heatherfell_oly]

Thanks for such a lovely comment Vincent. Glad we are helping your swim :)

[@Maomaozainanjing]

I ve beeen trying for one decade and still got no clue. After watching this I decide to give it another try.

[@calamarist3443]

Nice video, but please make sure that demonstrators pay attention on all important elements of the technique. On 2:20s in the video the fingers are so much apart when the hand enters the water, that it really brings down the overall quality of the presentation. I know most people will not notice a detail like this, but a smooth, knife-like entrance of the hand is one of the key elements of good hand technique. Other than that, drills are great. Keep up the good work.

[@yamilbrenes]

Super

[@hammer-r]

I’m fairly new to swimming freestyle, only about 2 months, three times a week for conditioning. I’ve been trying to emulate the stroke. One question. I see when some hands enter the water, prior to the catch phase, their fingers are spread. Others have them together. I’ve tried both. Any recommendations for either way? I’ve been using a training snorkel to remove the breathing part until I get the conditioning and form down pat. Many tks for the videos. And love the accent.

[@dagobertopinto]

I feel difficult to project a high elbow due to lack of flexibility. Any suggestions for that? Thank you for the video, thumbs up!

[@arthanjamierago2602]

nice

[@fabiolabanks4936]

I have been swimming for a few years but sadly had to stop due to a shoulder injury .Either from swimming or paying tennis and age related . I started with open water swimming .I really miss it . I'm hoping to be back in action soon after more than a year in pain .I have seen doctors ,physios and have had 2 injections . I would really like your opinion on the correct stroke work for open water sea swimming .

[@trbeyond]

Lane line elbow bump is a good one for high elbow. Swim close to lane line and try to brush your elbow against the lane line as you take a stroke. Goal is to make sure the elbow touches the lane line while still in front of your body.

[@heatherfell_oly]

Oh that could get painful :0

[@yannisgiannopoulos736]

Just completed a workshop with Karlyn Pipes... she said I don’t understand why we scull!? Yes to high elbow but don’t push to finish the stroke. Very interesting technique, feels easier on the shoulders , entry is very wide compared to the traditional entry What’s your take on that?

[@dennisalters702]

Any thoughts on the difference between freestyle racing stroke and the triathlon stroke. I mention this since I’m recovering from swimmers elbow. Ty

[@paulhandidjaja1579]

Like that doggie paddle stroke exercise. Clever.

[@BLW888]

It’s easier with the right elbow high since I’m right handed. How do you work the left (weaker) arm?

[@SijuCMathew]

I could see the start of the pull even when the head is on the side breathing. i thought that's wrong. I also see the hand leading the elbow while recovering. Isn't that also not perfect? Or am I wrong.

[@BobBob-uv9fq]

Starts off decent stroke technique,20 lengths it’s doggy paddle

[@yassinbohasounzarhouni4100]

اللهم وفقنا لما تحبه وترضاه يالله

[@user-ym1uv7sr8q]

Swimming with fists also is a good drill of high elbow.

[@sallycashen9924]

I was under the impression that as you pull your arm down through the water that by the time your hand reaches your hips it should turn side ways so it will cut through and up out of the water? To train myself to do this I was told to catch my hip with the palm of my hand. So was all that bad advice?

[@foophonic]

skulling... the one drill i usually stop moving, or worse, go backwards !

[@Maomaozainanjing]

yeah me too. i sink immediately....

[@billybob6604]

2:40 you don’t want to push down too much

[@michelefrost4338]

There are so many doggy paddle drills out there, it’s confusing. Can you video one and show a complete movement from all sides to get a better feel of how it should look, head in water with a complete reach back?

[@oranda26.22]

Can someone please explain to me why the forearm adducts during the pull (moves inward)? Almost every vid I’ve watched has the swimmer’s arm move inward. Beginner swimmer here.

[@neillbrock9376]

The diagonal pull under the body engages your large back muscles.pulling straight back does not get a strong connection.

[@oranda26.22]

Neill Brock thank you

[@tonyjablonski]

The focus on high elbow is a nightmare. Because there are so many other key components to just getting a solid basic stroke down. Proper breathing should be first, then, a strong core, gentle but fluid kicks, non injury to the shoulder,, and arms..

[@meetwaghela7247]

Make some video on butterfly swimming technique

[@kheli_m6744]

I have no idea what you guys are talking about🙈 I'm a beginner at swimming and these are one of the most informative swimming videos on YT. Even though I'm a constant viewer I have trouble truly understand what you guys are talking about🙈 maybe make the videos longer with better explanation

[@stepheninczech]

Ugh, I spent 3 months practicing early high elbow 5 days a week and ended up with swimmer's elbow in both arms. My speed went up but it puts some serious toll on the elbows.

[@gopaldass9946]

HELLO FRIENDS OF GTN CAN YOU SHARE THE TIPS OF FREESTYLE WITHOUT LEG BEATING?

[@lsabhe1788]

My elbow always drop What should I do??

[@jzh]

If providing subtitles, I will be much appreciated.

[@mohammadshahbazansari3073]

Hiiii.....In dog style " in which action we need more stamina. High elbow or. Low elbow!?

[@BikerHarryNL]

I try to pull out every detail out of the the beautifull lesson . But..... As a not native speaker english it is hard to hear what your two are saying. For non native speakers Please try to: Improve your dixie. (speak clearly) Reduce the pace. Use if it’s possible easy words. ( like you taling to a child. Thank you Guys for your effort.

[@devidia]

I try to focus on my wrist instead of my hand.

[@cindabecker]

What exactly do you mean by "high elbow"? Perhaps you could diagram your video so we can actually see the points/positions where the elbow is high.....higher than what?

[@kimrain6522]

Try to keep elbow floating up high in water. Also pull with high forearm. In other words, avoid early deep pulling.

[@JornadaRefeno]

Just a suggest....could you make a video, speaking slowly ...This videos are watched for many people around the world...not Just for Natives....thank for tips and congrats!!!

[@kurtjacobs8208]

Turn on subtitles (cc) for easier understanding, and/or lower playback speed (see settings). That should help!

[@peterparahuz7094]

High elbow position during the catch == internal shoulder rotation == pain in my shoulders :(

[@leventakn6448]

If your shoulder is healthy then you should modify your technique, I believe. I try to find a catch position by swimming rotated and holding the kickboard at one hand. During catch phase, moving the arm a bit down and/or out may help. I also look in the mirror ( a bit rotated again ) and reverse the pull motion from shoulder level up to analyze and find a comfortable catch and pull trajectory. But I warn you, when it comes to exercises, due to my super smart ideas I had two lower back operations, some herniated discs at lower back and neck, ulnar nerve entrapment, and a few other things :) Lastly as far as I understand it is easy catch and then strong accelerated pull. It is not one big powerful pull from start to finish. You are warned, I tell you :)

[@paulhandidjaja1579]

Yes. Pain. Need strength.

[@nightsfalling]

Heather sounds like she is getting a cold. Take care of yourself!

[@heatherfell_oly]

Thanks Elena, I was on the recovery :)

[@mike_ro]

Yes, it's hard to swim in open water. I swam my 777 km in 30 days with poor freestyle technique

[@billreppas]

To be able to feel the water is way harder than it looks.

[@devidia]

This guy really has a hard time accepting that going below your body is not what you need to do...

[@lwittrock1]

1st!

[@Readeand]

Are your both lover 🤭or just friends

[@Simon-uh3fm]

The chap in the video is twisting his shoulders too much...he should contain the angle between his arm in the pull fase and the water.......just saying

[@tin2009tin]

Too much blah blah blah and only a couple seconds from the same angle showing some position...

[@johnnyleemail77]

Good tips but I can’t stand the male presenter’s style of presenting