HOW CHAMPIONS DO IT

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

Each frame of this analysis is .1 seconds apart. Leisel Jones' time for the 200 m breaststroke race was 2:21.84. This sequence is at 30 m and illustrates how quickly Leisel Jones settles into her technique. When viewing from above the surface, Leisel Jones clearly continues to move forward fast all the time that she is underwater. This series demonstrates why that occurs.

This stroke analysis includes a moving sequence in real time, a moving sequence where each frame is displayed for .5 of a second, and still frames.

The following image sequence is in real time. It will play through 10 times and then stop. To repeat the sequence, click the browser's "refresh" or "reload" button.

The following image sequence shows each frame for half a second. It will play through 10 times and then stop. To repeat the sequence, click the browser's "refresh" or "reload" button.

At the end of the following narrative, each frame is illustrated in detail in a sequential collage.

• The complete propulsive phase of the arm stroke (Frames #1 through #6) is completed with the body and legs in trailing streamline. Delaying any disruption of the body or legs streamline has distinct advantages.
• In the latter part of the propulsive phase of the arm stroke and early part of the arm stroke recovery (Frames #5 through #8), the head and shoulders rise to allow inhalation. This is accomplished by hyperextending the thoracic region of the spine, which allows the hips and legs to continue their streamline.
• The early part of drawing the legs up preparatory to kicking (Frames #7 and #8) is initiated solely with a knee action, leaving the thighs and body in streamline.
• As the arms are extended forward and the head and shoulders returned into the water, the hips rise allowing the legs to be drawn up with simultaneous flexion of the knees and hips (Frames #9 through #11).
• When kick-propulsion begins (Frame #11), and the succeeding stages (Frames #12 and #13), the hips, torso, head, and arms are aligned horizontally, allowing the force of kicking to be executed against minimal frontal resistance.

Leisel Jones uses a four-part stroke: 1) arm propulsion with body and legs streamlined, 2) head rise and breathing with the hips and legs remaining streamlined, 3) arm recovery forward with the head and shoulders returning to a flat position, and 4) propulsive kicking against minimal frontal resistance. These phases mark several innovations when compared to "common" breaststroke and are worthy of emulation.

Return to Table of Contents for this section.