How Léon Marchand Swims So Fast | IM Stroke Analysis

Summary

In this video, the narrator breaks down the swimming techniques of Leo Marchand, acclaimed as the world's greatest swimmer. The analysis covers Marchand's underwater swimming, butterfly, backstroke, and freestyle, highlighting his streamlined form, efficient dolphin kick, and body position. Notable aspects include his low water entry in butterfly and the early vertical forearm in backstroke. The video also points out a 'claw' hand issue in freestyle and emphasizes the importance of streamlined body positions and efficient turns for optimal performance.

Takeaways

• 🏊‍♂️ Leo Marchand is considered one of the greatest swimmers in the world, excelling in all strokes, including underwater swimming, butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle.
• 🐬 His dolphin kick is initiated with the hands, creating a total body undulation, with excellent streamline to 15 meters.
• 🦋 Marchand’s butterfly stroke shows impressive technique with high body position and effective chest compression, which raises his hips and improves his speed.
• 👀 His breathing technique is precise, with his chin just above the waterline during the breath, allowing for efficient recovery and minimal drag.
• 💪 In backstroke, Marchand maintains a great body position but could improve by entering the water slightly wider to enhance his catch and leverage.
• 🌀 His breaststroke technique is impeccable, with consistent streamline, narrow leg movements, and exceptional body alignment to reduce drag and increase efficiency.
• 🤿 Marchand's freestyle is characterized by smooth, effortless movement, but he has a minor flaw in his left-hand position, forming a 'claw' that decreases the surface area for his catch.
• ⏱ Marchand excels in his underwater dolphin kicks, which are vital in his turns, especially during his world-record-breaking swims.
• 💨 His early vertical forearm technique allows him to maximize his pull and maintain speed while minimizing fatigue across all strokes.
• 🏅 Marchand’s combination of technique, physical training, and breath control make him the top swimmer going into the Paris Olympic Games.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video script?

The main focus of the video script is to analyze the swimming techniques of Leo Marchand, considered the greatest swimmer in the world, with a detailed breakdown of his underwater swimming, butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle.

What are some key elements of Leo Marchand's underwater swimming technique?

Leo Marchand's underwater swimming technique includes a streamlined body position, a total body undulation starting with the hands, and pointed toes. He maintains this streamlined position for 15 meters both on his front and back sides.

How does Leo Marchand's body position in the butterfly stroke contribute to his speed?

Leo Marchand's body position in the butterfly stroke is low to the water, and he presses his chest down, which helps his hips ride high. This position allows him to stay on top of the water, reducing drag and increasing speed.

What is the significance of Leo Marchand's hand placement during the catch in the butterfly stroke?

Leo Marchand's hand placement during the catch in the butterfly stroke is at shoulder width, pressing just outside the shoulders. This placement is crucial for an effective catch and propulsion.

How does Leo Marchand's breathing technique in the butterfly stroke differ from the norm?

Leo Marchand's breathing technique in the butterfly stroke is characterized by a low chin position just above the water line, and his hands exit the water with thumbs facing the water, staying close to the surface to minimize drag.

What is considered a weakness in Leo Marchand's backstroke technique?

A weakness in Leo Marchand's backstroke technique is that he enters the water a bit narrow on the catch, which could potentially benefit from a slightly wider entry to achieve a deeper catch more quickly.

How does Leo Marchand's breaststroke technique compare to other elite swimmers?

Leo Marchand's breaststroke technique is exceptional, with a strong streamline, pointed toes, narrow legs, and overlapping hands during the glide. His kick width is controlled, never exceeding the width of his shoulders, which minimizes drag.

What is the 'early vertical forearm' mentioned in the script, and how does it apply to Leo Marchand's freestyle stroke?

The 'early vertical forearm' is a technique where the forearm is positioned vertically early in the stroke to increase leverage and speed. Leo Marchand applies this technique in his freestyle stroke, which is one of the reasons he is so fast and efficient.

What unique hand issue is observed in Leo Marchand's freestyle stroke, and how might it affect his performance?

In Leo Marchand's freestyle stroke, a 'claw' hand issue is observed in one of his hands, which might decrease the surface area for water propulsion. However, it's noted that he still maintains an efficient pull pattern on the other side.

How does the video script suggest improving one's underwater swimming and breath control?

The video script suggests using a breathing trainer like Aerofit, which is partnered with the swim probe, to improve breath control and underwater swimming. It recommends a three-step test for baseline and a personalized training program for enhanced performance.