Swimming World Presents “Swimming Technique Concepts: Shoulder Injury Prevention for the Freestyle Arm Entry”

Swimming Technique Concepts:
Shoulder Injury Prevention for the Freestyle Arm Entry

By Rod Havriluk

Studies show that there are a high percentage of swimmers suffering from shoulder pain (SW Aug. 2019). Studies also identify three major risk factors for shoulder pain/injury: overuse, muscular imbalance and harmful technique (SW Sept. 2019).

This article addresses a stroke phase that is almost universally harmful due to the severity and duration of shoulder stress: the freestyle arm entry.

An effective (and less stressful) arm entry provides more space for the soft tissue between the bones in the shoulder and upper arm. To achieve an effective arm entry, the hand must enter the water with a downward angle. At the completion of the entry, the hand is below the shoulder. Swimmer and coach can both evaluate this skill when the arm straightens by seeing the hand as the deepest part of the arm.

Unfortunately, this position is rarely seen in competitive swimmers. Consequently, specific strategies are necessary to improve this critical aspect of technique. On the arm recovery, a swimmer must elevate the elbow above the hand. If the elbow is the highest part of the arm on the recovery, it will be easier for a swimmer to enter the arm with a downward angle. In addition, the hand must enter close enough to the shoulder so that the arm straightens as it submerges.

While both the typical male and female arm entry stresses the shoulder, the typical female arm entry is more stressful. The severity of the female arm entry is confirmed by a study that compared the incidence of shoulder injuries in male and female university swimmers (Sallis, Jones, Sunshine, Smith & Simon, 2001). The study found that females suffered shoulder injuries about three times as often as males. The authors were unable to make any “gender-specific recommendations…for decreasing the incidence of injury to female athletes.”

However, it now seems that the arm entry—both the severity and duration—is likely responsible.

Dr. Rod Havriluk is a sports scientist and consultant who specializes in swimming technique instruction and analysis. His new book, “Swimming Without Pain,” is a comprehensive guide to preventing and rehabilitating shoulder injuries, available at www.swimmingtechnology.com. You can contact Rod through info@ swimmingtechnology.com. All scientific documentation relating to this article, including scientific principles, studies and research papers, can be provided upon demand.

To access the full article for tips and illustrations on proper freestyle arm entry,
check out the October issue of Swimming World, out now!

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024 MYSTERIES OF OUR MUSEUM: A MYSTERIOUS MEDAL
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030 IT’S TIME FOR SOME RESPECT
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034 FASTER THAN EVER
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038 THE NEW “KIDS” ON THE BLOCK
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COACHING

010 LESSONS WITH THE LEGENDS: KAREN MOE HUMPHREYS
by Michael J. Stott

014 SWIMMING TECHNIQUE CONCEPTS: SHOULDER INJURY PREVENTION FOR THE FREESTYLE ARM ENTRY
by Rod Havriluk
Every team’s injury management plan should include strategies to address the freestyle arm entry and prevent shoulder injury. Major benefits also include increasing the index of coordination and, thereby, increasing swimming velocity.

016 A CASE FOR HIGH SCHOOL SWIMMING: ALL FOR ONE, ONE FOR ALL
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051 Q&A WITH COACH TERRY JONES
by Michael J. Stott

052 HOW THEY TRAIN KAITLYNN SIMS AND LILLIE NORDMANN
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TRAINING

013 DRYSIDE TRAINING: BUILDING LEAN MUSCLE
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054 UP & COMERS: KEATON JONES
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018 DID YOU KNOW? MARTHA NORELIUS

019 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

044 PREP SCHOOL DIRECTORY

055 GUTTERTALK

056 PARTING SHOT

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Chris Groy Butler

4 years ago

Total immersion teaches this method.

نيفين سعيد زعير

4 years ago

Aya Ayman

Adam Schön

4 years ago

Emilia Ström

4 years ago

Reply to Adam Schön

Adam Schön oh I see

Sylvia Ibarra-Villalon

4 years ago

Homer Villalon

Jenny Johnson

4 years ago

Lisel Johnson

Deidre Henthorn III

4 years ago

Charles Henthorn

Mark Wilkens

4 years ago

Coral Wilkens

Andrea Thorn

4 years ago

Caden!

Isabelle Mailloux

4 years ago

Rosalie Carrière

Dan

4 years ago

The importance of stroke technique is critical in the prevention of injuries for swimmers. Suggest that coaches and athletes use best practice methods of training accompanied by underwater video analysis monthly during the swimming season. Swimmers finally understand the coaches correction.

Swimming World Presents “Swimming Technique Concepts: Shoulder Injury Prevention for the Freestyle Arm Entry”

Swimming Technique Concepts: Shoulder Injury Prevention for the Freestyle Arm Entry

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 $39.95 Order Now!

Swimming Technique Concepts:
Shoulder Injury Prevention for the Freestyle Arm Entry

Get Swimming World Magazine and Swimming World Biweekly FREE When You
Become A Member of the International Swimming Hall of Fame