Freestyle - Paddle Grab

Keeping a straighter line from the fingertips through the forearm, can help developing swimmers understand the idea of creating a larger surface with their arm to pull with.

Why do it:
While advanced swimmers can initiate the catch with a slight wrist break, it's important for developing swimmers to understand that creating a surface, from fingers, through the forearm, and then biceps and upper arm, will give them the most effective push on the water.

How to do it:
1 - Instead of wearing the paddle like you typically would, grab the paddle over the top.
2 - Swim freestyle as you normally would, but FEEL if the base of the paddle is pushing into your forearm.
3 - Try to maintain a straight line from the top of the paddle, through the forearm.

How to do it really well (the fine points):
Exaggerate the wrist bend to feel the paddle pushing into your forearm. Then, try to see if you can keep the paddle touching only lightly. Always reach full extension on each stroke, to allow yourself the opportunity to learn a full pull.