10/01/2026
A lot of swimmers think a stronger pull means pulling harder.
But power in the water starts before the pull.
When you set your catch with a higher elbow and allow your hand and forearm to work together like one paddle, you create a larger surface to hold the water. That puts you in a better position to engage the larger muscles of your back and move your body forward.
The goal isn’t to muscle your way through the stroke.
It’s to put your body in a position where the work you’re already doing becomes more effective.
Next time you swim, think:
High elbow.
Relaxed hand.
Hand + forearm = one paddle.
Set the catch. Then apply power.
Stop just swimming more. Start swimming better.