HOW CHAMPIONS DO IT

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

MARY T. MEAGHER'S NON-BREATHING STROKE FROM THE FRONT AT TRAINING SPEED (circa 1979)

This series of frames is taken from one of James "Doc" Counsilman's instructional films. The frame capture speed is not known.

Notable Features

Another "secret" of Mary T.'s stroke is revealed in this sequence. Maintenance of a flat and streamlined body position is achieved better than in most swimmers. Using neck flexion to raise the head as the legs complete the initial kick, which subdues hip-rise, is novel.

The length of time and immediacy of force application are once again emphasized as being a distinctive feature of this swimmer's stroke.

Mary T. Meagher

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