Swim Analysis - Cooper

In this swim analysis, we take a closer look at Cooper's stroke, which already shows great posture and horizontal alignment in the water. However, with a few key adjustments, we can further enhance his power and speed.

The first focus is on Cooper's right-hand entry. While his hand enters the water in a good position, the issue arises during the glide, where he lifts his fingertips and drops his elbow. This "catch-up" swimming style creates resistance, similar to applying brakes, and disrupts momentum. We explore how adjusting the timing of the catch, so it starts when the opposite arm is in line with the shoulders, can lead to a more fluid and powerful stroke.

Next, we address head resistance, which is tied to the timing issue. When Cooper rotates onto his left side, his shoulder drops, creating significant resistance and causing his legs to splay apart as he compensates with a large kick. From an above-water view, it's evident that the right side produces a surge of power, but the left side lacks the same forward momentum. By correcting the right-hand position and timing, we expect to see an increase in this surge.

Lastly, we discuss breathing and its impact on symmetry. Cooper primarily breathes on the left side, which causes over-rotation and contributes to drag. Practicing breathing on the right side can help balance the stroke, lift the left shoulder, and reduce unnecessary drag. This adjustment should also reduce the compensatory kick and create a more streamlined movement.

Overall, Cooper has a solid stroke, and with these minor tweaks, we can convert wasted energy into forward momentum. Excellent work, Cooper—let's continue refining your technique to unlock even more speed in the water!