Hi,
I use my coach’s (a UK member of Noth America Swim Coarch Assocaition) ‘long belt slider’ but struggle at around 18 meters to progress much further down the pool- especially compared to some other club members who are slower than me in both training / racing. 20 metres is about as much as I can manage. Although I know that I need to fine tune my vertical forearm a little more (it’s not bad) , I’m wondering if having a ‘front quadrant’ freestyle stoke’ as I do (mine’s almost ‘catchup’ … and quite a long stoke) whether this has the effect of making me more streamlined ‘in reverse’ and therefore makes it easier for the ‘long belt slider’ to pull me backwards more so than someone with a less pronounced ‘front quadrant’ freestyle stoke’ Is my thinking; correct, or flawed and it’s my stoke that needs fine tuning – any ideas (if it helps I can make it much easier on breaststroke and a little easier on backstoke – haven’t tried fly!). Obviously I don’t want to make major changes to my stroke if this is a quirk of the ‘long belt slider’.
Kind regards
Richard
Master Swimmer
Age 45
100m Free PB 1.00:00
1500m Free 18.45:00
Mileage 12 – 18miles / week
Dear Richard,
Greetings, My name is Michael McDonald and I am a Co-Head Coach at Cuyahoga Falls High School I have had the pleasure and opportunity for the last two years to work with NZ Manufacturing and their products. Your question with the long belt slider is an excellent question. As a coach, I use the product more for resistance for the students. I love to use this product and have found that the swimmers need to keep their stroke cadence quick as opposed to a long stroke as to what you were referring to. I have also found that the swimmers I work with if they do have any hitches that these products will make you aware of them pretty quick. When you say it pulls you around 18-20 meters I see that all the time and the interesting thing is how my kids change their stroke to get to the wall. Many times they find that thier kick is a key part and you do have to be careful as your hips may drop a bit. I hope that I answered your question. As far as breaststroke goes, I would be mindful of your kick because this will really give you a workout esp. if you swim against it for the other side…You have to keep your kick quick and your catch and pull has to be rather quick. I do like how it makes you aware of your body position. Fly is fun as well because it makes your quick real tight…I do not recommend backstroke just because of the body position. Another product I would recommend would be the short belt where you are able to practice your dolphin kicks and then the cord pulls you back. I encourage your comments and insight on anything. Looking forward to hearing from you!
Swimmingly,
Michael McDonald CFHS Co-Head Coach CFYN-USA Coach
