HOW CHAMPIONS DO IT

Researched, produced, and prepared by Brent S. Rushall, Ph.D., R.Psy.

BRAD BRIDGEWATER'S FULL STROKE AT 165 m OF HIS 200 m BACKSTROKE GOLD MEDAL RACE AT THE ATLANTA OLYMPIC GAMES 1996

Each frame is .1 second apart.

Notable Features

Brad Bridgewater's stroke is one that has a different form for each arm. The right arm sweeps wide and deep and exits using an inward and upward sculling movement. That results in propulsion being maintained for almost the entire stroke. The left-arm movement pattern is very traditional. It follows an S-shaped path finishing with the hand deep in the water when propulsion is completed. The left arm extraction creates only resistance and consequently, that phase of the stroke is not as efficient as that of the right arm.

The legs kick continuously throughout the action. One has to ponder if the legs are reacting to balance arm movements or whether the arms are reacting to counter-balance the kicks.

The swimmer's streamlining throughout the whole stroking sequence is excellent. When streamline is added to the maximum stretch of the left arm entry and acceptable stretch of the right arm, the whole swimmer's "system" appears to be well positioned for economical progression through the water.

Brad Bridgewater

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