A good pull catches water with the whole forearm and finishes past the hip.
Practice checklist
- 1Standing, bend forward and practise the pull in air, then in water.
- 2Enter the hand in front of the shoulder, fingertips first.
- 3Press back with a high elbow, palm facing your feet.
- 4Finish at the thigh, then recover over the surface, elbow leading.
Key tips
- · Think 'press water to your feet', not 'pull yourself forward'.
- · Relaxed hand, fingers slightly apart.
Common mistakes
- · Windmilling with straight arms.
- · Crossing the hand over the head's centre line.
Safety note
Practise standing first; only then add movement.
Practice challenge
40 slow pulls standing, then 6 × 5 metres arms with a float.