FREESTYLE BREAKOUTS

Thoughts from a sprint freestyler (Dmitri Khodko)

Regarding speed at 15m – key points:
- transfer power of a dive into a horizontal glide ASAP
- keep a rigid structure (arms + body + legs). This is where many, if not all, masters have a problem
- ideally you do a few dolphin kicks
- initiate a smooth and effortless breakout glide

Regarding post 15m – key points:
- to “catch” your first stroke with/during high underwater speed. The first two strokes are the most powerful ones with almost straight-arm
- break the surface with a top of your head after you have begun your second stroke
- keep your eyes down on the breakout thus staying low

A common mistake is:

When you start the pull with the right arm, *your left arm* moves away from the head. This action creates a significant resistance when your speed is the highest. You need to keep the forward arm in the streamlined position before it starts pulling (second stroke). Try and see how difficult it is to avoid it - on every push – off.

I think that maximizing speed at 15m would be most fun improvement to achieve with the least amount of pain and lactate generated.

*Obviously you can change that to lead and second arm versus right or left.