Larsen, B., & Hinrichs, R. N. (2005). Transition from the glide phase to free swimming following a freestyle flip turn: Which arm pulls first? Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 37(5), Supplement abstract 609.

This investigation determined if there was a relationship between total swim time and three forms of stroke resumption initiation: pull with the deep arm, pull with the shallow arm, or be completely prone before pulling with either arm. High school and masters swimmers were videotaped while competing in short-course 100 m/yd and 500 yd events. Event times were classified into three equal groups (fastest, middle, slowest).

Significant differences were found between high school swimmers in the female 100 yd and male 100 yd events. Faster swimmers tended to use the deep arm and slower swimmers used the shallow arm when transitioning from glide to swimming out of a turn.

Implication. Swimmers should be taught to pull with the deep arm first when completing a crawl stroke turn.

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