Faster Freestyle Swimming: Part 4. Umph at the Front: Where to apply the power | Vasa Trainer

Summary

This video script discusses the fourth focal point of swimming technique, emphasizing the importance of power generation at the front of the stroke. It contrasts the outdated 'S-pole' method, which focuses on power at the stroke's end, with the 'UMP at the front' technique that engages power early using the wrist as a fulcrum. The presenter illustrates the technique with a demonstration, highlighting the engagement of large muscle groups for a quicker and more efficient stroke. The analogy of using a large chainring in cycling or front-wheel drive in cars is used to explain the concept's application in other sports, advocating for a 'pull' rather than a 'push' to avoid drag and maintain momentum.

Takeaways

• 🏊‍♂️ The fourth focal point is about where the power is in your stroke, called the UMP at the front.
• 🤚 Engage the power early by using the wrist as a fulcrum after setting the hand and arm into the catch position.
• 🚫 Avoid the old 'S' pole technique which applies power at the end of the stroke.
• 🔄 The UMP at the front technique allows for a straight back motion, engaging large muscle groups for power.
• 💪 Focus on the wrist for power, engaging it early and releasing quickly.
• 🌎 Tim will demonstrate the technique on land, emphasizing the power engagement and release.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Engaging power in the wrist leads to a high elbow early catch, utilizing large muscle groups effectively.
• 🚗 The UMP at the back is less effective, similar to rear-wheel drive versus front-wheel drive in a car.
• 🏊‍♀️ For swimmers, the UMP at the front is akin to swimming with a pull rather than a push.
• 💥 Avoiding a push reduces drag, maintains momentum, and leads to a faster, more efficient stroke.

Q & A

What is the fourth focal point discussed in the script?

The fourth focal point discussed is where the power is in your stroke, referred to as the UMP at the front.

What is the UMP at the front and how is it different from the old S-pole technique?

The UMP at the front is a swimming technique where power is engaged early and quickly using the wrist as a fulcrum, keeping fingertips pointed at the bottom. It differs from the old S-pole technique, which involved making an 'S' with the hand and applying most of the power at the end of the stroke.

Why is the UMP at the front considered more effective than the S-pole technique?

The UMP at the front is more effective because it allows for the engagement of large muscle groups and the application of power early in the stroke, as opposed to the S-pole where power is applied at the back, leading to less effective propulsion.

How does the script describe the hand movement in the UMP at the front technique?

In the UMP at the front technique, the hand movement is described as going straight back rather than in an 'S' shape, allowing for early and quick engagement of power.

What is the role of the wrist in the UMP at the front technique?

The wrist plays a crucial role in the UMP at the front technique as it serves as the fulcrum for engaging power early in the stroke.

What is the significance of engaging power early in the stroke as described in the script?

Engaging power early in the stroke allows for a more efficient and effective pull, as it utilizes the large muscle groups and avoids the loss of momentum and drag that can occur when power is applied at the back of the stroke.

How does the script compare the UMP at the front to other activities like cycling and driving?

The script compares the UMP at the front to using a large chainring in cycling and front-wheel drive in a car, as opposed to a small chain ring and rear-wheel drive, respectively, to illustrate the advantage of power application at the front.

What is the alternative to the UMP at the front, and why should it be avoided according to the script?

The alternative to the UMP at the front is the UMP at the back, which should be avoided because it results in power getting stuck at the end of the stroke, causing a loss of momentum and creating extra drag, leading to a slower stroke.

What is the recommendation for a faster, effective, and efficient swimming stroke according to the script?

The script recommends putting the UMP at the front for a faster, effective, and efficient swimming stroke, which involves engaging the power early with the wrist and large muscle groups.

How does the script illustrate the difference between swimming with a pull and a push?

The script illustrates the difference by showing that a push, demonstrated when power is applied at the back of the stroke, results in a loss of momentum and drag, whereas a pull, which is the UMP at the front, is more efficient and faster.