Swimming Technique Concepts: Head Position and Motion
This series of articles on developing an optimal model for technique began with addressing the concepts of bodysize and shape (SW July). Last month’s article (SW Aug) considered the impact of body rotation on body size and shape. This month’s article examines the effect of head position and motion on body rotation, and consequently, body size andshape. The head is critical because a slight variation in the non-breathing position or excess motion during breathing can impact resistance from the rest of the body.
An optimal model for swimming technique requires that the non-breathing head position minimizes resistance and also maximizes visibility. The main requirement for the breathing motion and position is minimal impact on body rotation that could negatively impact body size and shape. Visual and kinesthetic cues are extremely helpful in mastering precise head positions and motions.
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 head position and motion, check out the September 2018 issue of Swimming World Magazine, available now!
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[PHOTO COURTESY: POLLY LINDEN]
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FEATURES
017 A YEAR TO REMEMBER
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021 “…NEVER THIS GOOD!”
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027 TOKYO TAKEAWAY
by David Rieder
For Team USA, their performance at the Pan Pacific Championships in Tokyo was cause for some concern. For Australia, it was reason to be excited. For both, it wasn’t the end game.
029 PROJECT 56
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030 MENTAL PREP: BEFORE THE BEEP WITH ALLISON SCHMITT
by Annie Grevers
040 AROUND THE TABLE WITH MARIAH DENIGAN—A LOOK INTO TEENAGE NUTRITION
by Annie Grevers and Dawn Weatherwax
COACHING
010 LESSONS WITH THE LEGENDS: JOHN COLLINS
by Michael J. Stott
014 SWIMMING TECHNIQUE CONCEPTS: DEVELOPMENT OF AN OPTIMAL MODEL FOR TECHNIQUE: PART 3—HEAD POSITION AND MOTION
by Rod Havriluk
This month’s article examines the effect of head position and motion on body rotation, and consequently, body size and shape. The head is critical because a slight variation in the non-breathing position or excess motion during breathing can impact resistance from the rest of the body.
032 SPECIAL SETS: EARLY FALL SEASON TRAINING
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034 PREHAB/REHAB VIA THE SWIM BENCH: STAYING FIT
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This installment is the third in a multi-part series and explores the role of the swim bench in injury prevention and rehabilitation.
042 Q&A WITH COACH MIKE NOVELL
by Michael J. Stott
043 HOW THEY TRAIN DANNY KOVAC
by Michael J. Stott
TRAINING
026 DRYSIDE TRAINING: STROKE AND DISTANCE STRENGTH SERIES—INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY
by J.R. Rosania
JUNIOR SWIMMER
036 GOLDMINDS: SETTING GOALS…AND HOW TO ACHIEVE THEM!
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045 UP & COMERS: MAGGIE WANEZEK by Taylor Brien
COLUMNS
008 A VOICE FOR THE SPORT
013 BEYOND THE YARDS
016 THE OFFICIAL WORD
039 MOMS AT MEETS
046 HASTY HIGH POINTERS
047 GUTTER TALK
048 PARTING SHOT