Though my swim technique is a work in progress. I have actually come to a place where I pretty much perform my swims like a machine. Same stroke, same turns, etc. However, I am trying to stay open minded to any changes that need to be made.
That said, as I have developed my swim technique, I have noticed something about my stroke. When reaching forward and stroking with my left arm, my left shoulder/arm actually comes into contact with the left side of my face. This actually makes my left stroke seem more effective or at least smoother than my right arm stroke. One reason is that on the left stroke I am keeping my head more aligned with my body making my body more streamlined. The left arm is straight out in front and the face is down head and neck are straight. That stroke is longer and deeper with less roll of my body because I will not be taking a breath at all on that stroke.
This does not occur when I stroke with my right arm since I am rolling left and usually getting a breath facing the left. I never breath on the right side, only the left. When I am several laps into a swim and have my rythm going, I am, most of the time, breathing with each right arm stroke. As I breath, I turn my head slightly to the left, but not a lot. I use my bodies roll to find the air with my face. I find my neck hurting if I trun my head too much so I have learned to roll just enought to allow for a good breath but I still do turn my head slightly to the left.
So my left stroke and right stroke are quite different.
Now, I would think that a having the same movement left and right would be more effective. True? So I tried altering my strokes but in order to do with my right arm what I do with my left I have to roll much more to get a breath with no turn of my head at all. I also find that a deeper roll slows me down and makes both strokes seem less affective.
Long story short - should I concern myself with altering my technique to occomodate a uniform style for both left and right strokes? Keep workin at it or is it normal to "favor" one side as the stronger stroke?
PS - If you read all that and understood it..and answer..you deserve an award of some kind.
