Swimming Perpendicular: Understanding Propulsion, Efficiency, and Stroke Mechanics

What does swimming perpendicular mean?

In swimming, "swimming perpendicular" refers to the precise application of propulsive force by positioning the hands and forearms at a 90-degree angle to the direction of travel, or to the plane of the water, thereby maximizing the backward push against the water and optimizing propulsion.

Defining "Swimming Perpendicular"

At its core, "swimming perpendicular" describes a fundamental biomechanical principle in aquatic locomotion: the most effective way to move forward through water is to push water directly backward. This requires the propulsive surfaces—primarily the hands and forearms, and to a lesser extent, the feet—to be positioned perpendicular to the desired direction of movement.

Imagine pushing a wall. To get the most force, you push directly into it. In swimming, the "wall" is the water, and to move forward, you must push the water directly backward. If your hand slices through the water parallel to your direction of travel, you generate little to no propulsive force. However, if your hand and forearm are positioned like a paddle, pressing straight back against the water, you maximize the force generated and minimize wasted energy. This concept is often linked to the "Early Vertical Forearm" (EVF) technique, where the forearm quickly drops to a vertical position relative to the pool bottom, creating a large, effective surface area to push water backward.

Why is Perpendicular Movement Important in Swimming?

Mastering the art of swimming perpendicular is critical for several reasons rooted in fluid dynamics and biomechanics:

• Maximizing Propulsion: By orienting the propulsive surfaces perpendicular to the direction of travel, swimmers create the largest possible drag force against the water in the desired direction (backward). This directly translates to forward motion.
• Efficiency and Reduced Drag: When a swimmer effectively "catches" and pushes water backward, they reduce the amount of water that slips past their hand and forearm without contributing to propulsion. This minimizes "slip," a form of wasted energy, and improves overall swimming efficiency.
• Optimal Force Generation: A perpendicular hand and forearm position allows the swimmer to leverage larger muscle groups (lats, triceps, chest) more effectively, transferring power from the core through the shoulder to the hand for a stronger, more sustained pull.
• "Feeling the Water": Developing a keen sense of how to apply pressure perpendicularly against the water is often referred to as "feel for the water." This intuitive understanding allows elite swimmers to constantly adjust their hand and forearm angles to maintain optimal propulsion throughout the stroke cycle.

Common Areas of Perpendicular Movement

The principle of perpendicular force application is evident across all four competitive swimming strokes:

• Freestyle (Front Crawl):
  • Early Vertical Forearm (EVF): This is the quintessential example. As the hand enters the water and extends forward, the elbow remains high, allowing the forearm and hand to quickly drop and point downwards, forming a "paddle" that is perpendicular to the direction of forward motion. The pull then proceeds directly backward, maintaining this perpendicular force application.
• Backstroke:
  • Overhead Catch: Similar to freestyle, but executed on the back. As the hand enters the water above the shoulder, the elbow bends, and the hand and forearm orient to push water directly towards the feet, perpendicular to the body's orientation and direction of travel.
• Breaststroke:
  • Out-sweep and In-sweep: During the propulsive phase, the hands and forearms sweep outwards and then inwards. At key points in this sweep, particularly during the "in-sweep" phase, the hands and forearms are positioned to powerfully push water backward, generating the primary propulsion for the stroke.
  • Whip Kick: The powerful "whip" motion of the legs involves the feet and lower legs sweeping backward, perpendicular to the body, creating significant propulsive force.
• Butterfly:
  • Double Arm Pull: Both arms simultaneously execute a powerful, synchronized pull. After the hands enter the water, they immediately begin to "catch" the water by pressing the hands and forearms downward and backward, achieving a perpendicular orientation to maximize the force of the pull.
  • Dolphin Kick: The powerful downbeat of the dolphin kick involves the feet and lower legs pushing water directly backward, perpendicular to the direction of travel, generating a significant portion of the stroke's propulsion.

Technique Drills to Improve Perpendicular Movement

To cultivate a better "feel" for perpendicular force application and enhance your propulsion, integrate these drills into your training:

• Fist Drill: Swim freestyle or backstroke with clenched fists. This forces your forearms to become the primary propulsive surface, making you acutely aware of how to orient them to push water backward.
• Sculling Drills: Perform various sculling exercises (e.g., front scull, mid-body scull, head-first scull) focusing on maintaining constant pressure on the water with your hands and forearms. The goal is to feel the resistance and keep your hands perpendicular to the direction you are trying to move.
• One-Arm Drills: Swim freestyle or backstroke with one arm extended and the other performing a full stroke. This helps you concentrate on the quality of the catch and pull with a single arm, emphasizing the perpendicular orientation.
• Vertical Kicking: Kick in a vertical position (head out of water, hands above water, or holding a kickboard). This isolates the propulsive power of your kick and helps you feel how to push water directly downward/backward for maximum lift and propulsion.
• Paddle Work (Small Paddles): Using small hand paddles can amplify the "feel" of the water and provide immediate feedback on whether your hands are effectively pressing backward or slipping.

Benefits of Mastering Perpendicular Movement

Developing the ability to swim perpendicular offers substantial advantages:

• Increased Speed: More efficient propulsion directly translates to faster swimming.
• Reduced Energy Expenditure: By minimizing wasted motion and maximizing force transfer, you swim further and faster with less effort.
• Improved "Feel for the Water": This refined sensory feedback allows for continuous, subtle adjustments to your stroke, optimizing performance in real-time.
• Enhanced Stroke Mechanics: It encourages a more powerful and biomechanically sound stroke, reducing the risk of shoulder strain or other overuse injuries.

Potential Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

While aiming for perpendicular movement is crucial, common errors can diminish its effectiveness:

• "Slipping" or "Washing Out": If the hand and forearm are not correctly oriented, water slips past without being effectively pushed. This feels like your hand is "slicing" or "slipping" through the water rather than gripping it.
• Dropped Elbow: A common error where the elbow drops lower than the hand during the catch, preventing the forearm from achieving an early vertical position. This reduces the effective propulsive surface area.
• Pushing Down Instead of Back: Especially in freestyle, some swimmers push water directly downwards rather than backward. While this might provide some lift, it doesn't contribute effectively to forward propulsion.
• Over-reaching/Over-gliding: While streamlining is important, excessive gliding can lead to a loss of momentum and a less effective catch when the pull finally begins. The catch needs to happen relatively early in the stroke cycle.

To avoid these pitfalls, focus on maintaining a high elbow, engaging your core and lats, and consciously thinking about pushing the water behind you with your hand and forearm, not just through it.

Conclusion

Swimming perpendicular is not merely a technical term; it is a foundational concept in efficient and powerful swimming. It encapsulates the biomechanical imperative to orient your propulsive surfaces—primarily your hands and forearms—at an optimal 90-degree angle to the water to maximize the backward push and propel yourself forward. By understanding and diligently practicing this principle across all strokes, swimmers can unlock significant improvements in speed, efficiency, and their overall connection to the water. Mastery of perpendicular movement is a hallmark of skilled swimming, transforming effort into effective, forward motion.