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Tri Swim Coach PodcastAuthor: Dominic Latella
Whether you're barely surviving your first triathlon swim or trying to shave seconds off your Ironman split, this podcast's got something for you. It's training tips, real talk, and occasional chaosall from Tri Swim Coach and a bunch of folks who've actually done the damn thing, including pros and long-time coaches. You'll hear stories, advice, some laughs, and maybe even figure out how to swim faster without feeling like you're drowning in regret. Hosted by Kevin Koskella, a dude who's been in the swim game for over 27 years and still has all his hairthis is your spot if you're trying to level up and not get smoked in open water. Jump in. Language: en Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Bent Arm or Straight Arm? You're Asking the Wrong Question - #174
Episode 174
Monday, 31 August, 2026
"A bent-arm recovery is safer because it puts less stress on the shoulder." It sounds biomechanically convincing. But does a shorter lever automatically make it a better freestyle recovery? In this solo episode, I use a recent DM about "high elbow recovery" to break down why one true biomechanical observation doesn't necessarily lead to one correct swimming technique. A bent arm does reduce rotational inertia. But a straighter recovery creates a longer lever with more angular momentum, and that recovering arm is not operating by itself. It is connected to the scapula, rib cage, pelvis, opposite arm, and the rotational rhythm of the entire stroke. The better question isn't whether your recovery should be bent or straight. It's whether your recovery works with the rest of your stroke. In this episode: Why I don't love the term "high elbow recovery" Bent-arm versus straight-arm recovery What rotational inertia actually means for a swimmer Why lower rotational inertia isn't automatically better How the recovery arm can contribute to the rotational rhythm of freestyle Why the recovering hand shouldn't race toward the front of the stroke What throwing a baseball can teach us about connected movement Why "spearing" the hand into the water can disrupt timing How to decide what type of recovery works best for your stroke The recovery should be an extension of the rhythm of your stroke, not a pose you're trying to hit every time your arm comes out of the water. Instead of asking whether your elbow should be bent or straight, ask: Does my recovery feel connected to the rest of my stroke? SUPPORT THE PODCAST If the podcast helped you think differently about your swimming, you can support future episodes by sharing the show, leaving a review, or buying me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/coachlatella SWIM TRAINING AND RESOURCES Breathe Better, Race Stronger: https://triswimcoach.com/tri-swim-breathing Tri Swim Success Program: https://triswimcoach.com/tri-swim-program4 SwimBox: https://www.theswimbox.com CONNECT WITH TRI SWIM COACH Newsletter: https://sendfox.com/triswimcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trisw
