Swimming Technique Concepts: Development of an Optimal Model for Body Rotation
Last month’s article listed key concepts to address in developing an optimal model for technique. Examples were presented about how two concepts—body size (i.e., the cross-sectional area of the body that is perpendicular to the horizontal direction of body motion) and shape (i.e., the active drag coefficient)—can minimize resistance. Also included was information about the trade-off between maximizing propulsion and minimizing resistance.
Body rotation is a concept directly related to both the size and shape of the body. Rotation refers to angular motion about an axis through the center of the body.
There are three reference axes for evaluating body movement. All three axes pass through the center of mass of the body, which is located in the middle of the body at approximately the level of the navel.
- The polar axis runs the length of the body from head to feet.
- The bilateral axis passes through the body from one side to the other.
- The antero-posterior axis enters the front of the body and exits at the back.
Dr. Rod Havriluk is a sports scientist and consultant who specializes in swimming technique instruction and analysis. His unique strategies provide rapid improvement while avoiding injury. Learn more at the STR website: www.swimmingtechnology.com. You can contact Rod at info@swimmingtechnology.com. All scienti c documentation relating to this article, including scienti c principles, studies and research papers, can be provided upon demand.
To learn more about body rotation, check out the August 2018 issue of Swimming World Magazine, available now!
[PHOTO BY EMILY WEISS]
Get Swimming World Magazine and Swimming World Biweekly FREE When You Become A Member of the International Swimming Hall of Fame
Want More? Subscribe With This Special 2-Year Offer!
New! 1-Year Digital Only Subscription for just $29.95 Order Now!
Non-Subscribers Can Download This Issue For Only $4.95
FEATURES
016 THE WEISS WATCH
by David Rieder
Even when she was young, people knew that Emily Weiss had exceptional talent. With her super competitive spirit and commitment to success, her steady improvement has included a gold medal at last year’s World Junior Championships, a national high school record and now the recognition of being named Swimming World’s Female High School Swimmer of the Year.
020 ONE AND ONLY
by Annie Grevers
The sport of swimming has never seen a Reece Whitley before—not because of his ethnicity or because of his size, but because of his heart to lead, desire to fulfill his own greatest potential, and mind to reach well beyond his 7-foot wingspan to impact the lives of others through his sport.
024 TIGHT AT THE TOP
by Annie Grevers and David Rieder
The battle for Swimming World’s Female and Male High School Swimmers of the Year was extremely close, with all six of the top swimmers clocking No. 1 times during the 2017-18 season.
026 TOP HIGH SCHOOL RECRUITS
by Diana Pimer
Swimming World takes a look at the swimmers it considers to be the 10 best high school recruits from the Class of 2018 and where they’ll be attending college in the fall.
032 THE GREATEST…
by Bruce Wigo
Milton Gray Campbell may not have been the greatest high school swimmer of all time, but he was a swimmer who was among the greatest high school athletes of all time.
COACHING
010 LESSONS WITH THE LEGENDS: MATT MANN II
by Michael J. Stott
014 SWIMMING TECHNIQUE CONCEPTS: DEVELOPMENT OF AN OPTIMAL MODEL FOR TECHNIQUE: PART 2 —BODY ROTATION
by Rod Havriluk
Body size and body shape are both directly affected by body rotation. Consideration of body rotation (axis and magnitude) is vital in developing an optimal model of swimming technique.
035 DO IT RIGHT, OR DO IT OVER (PART 2)
by Michael J. Stott
This is the second installment in a multi-part series on swimmer motivation and how coaches approach the often-vexing issue of unsatisfactory practice performance. This month’s article examines the larger role of team culture and athlete response in the context of motivation and daily training.
038 SPECIAL SETS: WALK-ON, WALK-UP SWIM SETS
by Michael J. Stott
For the multitude who harbor college swimming aspirations but will not receive athletic money, there is still hope.
041 Q&A WITH COACH KELLY KREMER
by Michael J. Stott
042 HOW THEY TRAIN CONNER McHUGH
by Michael J. Stott
TRAINING
040 DRYSIDE TRAINING: STROKE AND DISTANCE STRENGTH SERIES—SPRINT FREESTYLE
by J.R. Rosania
JUNIOR SWIMMER
025 GOLDMINDS: YOU PLAY LIKE YOUR PLACE!
by Wayne Goldsmith
Your swim club culture—how you do the things you do—will determine much of the success you hope to achieve in the sport. It’s important, then, to find a swim club that offers a culture that gives you the environment and opportunity to experience swimming the way you want to experience it.
045 UP & COMERS: KENNEDY NOBLE
by Taylor Brien
COLUMNS
008 A VOICE FOR THE SPORT
013 BEYOND THE YARDS
044 HASTY HIGH POINTERS
046 GUTTER TALK
048 PARTING SHOT