Whats the best measure of swimming technique?
Counting strokes is the easiest way to measure technique, but not the best. A decrease in stroke count does not always indicate a more effective technique. An increase in stroke count does not always indicate a less effective technique. The active drag coefficient is the most accurate measure of swimming technique. (See Havriluk, 2003; Havriluk, 2006b; and Havriluk, 2007a) What’s the best way to control technique changes? Skills must be learned at a slow swimming speed. Once a swimmer has learned to control his/her movements at a slow speed, gradually increasing the stroke rate will help a swimmer maintain control at faster speeds. Individual instructional sessions and regular analysis sessions expedite the learning process.