Swimming Technique Concepts: Development of an Optimal Model for Head Position and Motion

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Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

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!

Swimming World subscribers can download this issue in the Swimming World Vault!

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[PHOTO COURTESY: POLLY LINDEN]

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FEATURES

017 A YEAR TO REMEMBER
by David Rieder
North Allegheny High School won its first national title in school history, defeating Carmel High School (Ind.), 168 to 142.5, to capture Swimming World’s 2017-18 boys’ national high school championships.

021 “…NEVER THIS GOOD!”
by Annie Grevers
Forty years since Harpeth Hall School (Tenn.) finished second in Swimming World’s National High School Championships, the Bearacuda girls finally made it to the top, outswimming Buchholz High School (Fla.), 170.5 to 135.5—and ending Carmel’s (Ind.) five-year reign as national champions

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
by David Rieder
At the European Championships in Glasgow, Great Britain’s Adam Peaty—the best sprint breaststroker in history—took aim at an un­fathomable boundary: swimming the men’s 100 meter breast under 57 seconds.

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
by Michael J. Stott
Coaches Ethan Hall (Crow Canyon Sharks) and Brian Elko (Egg Harbor Township) share some insights and actual sets that they offer athletes, ages 15-18, as they resume aquatic training.

034 PREHAB/REHAB VIA THE SWIM BENCH: STAYING FIT
by Michael J. Stott
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!
by Wayne Goldsmith
Exchange your hopes for “actions,” trade in your wishes for “commitment” and swap your dreams for “goals”—and you’ll be on your way to realizing your full potential!

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

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