ASCA Swimming Technique & Stroke Development 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is 'early vertical forearm' (EVF) and which stroke phase does it apply to?
- A recovery technique in backstroke
- A catch position in freestyle/butterfly where the forearm faces backward as soon as possible (Correct answer)
- A breathing technique in breaststroke
- A kick timing cue in backstroke
Correct answer: A catch position in freestyle/butterfly where the forearm faces backward as soon as possible
EVF refers to rotating the forearm to face the wall behind the swimmer as early as possible during the catch, maximizing the surface area applied to propulsion.
Question 2: Which kick pattern is biomechanically correct for competitive butterfly?
- Six-beat kick synchronized with arm entry and mid-pull
- Two-beat kick with one kick at entry and one at the end of the pull-through (Correct answer)
- Four-beat kick alternating with arm strokes
- Continuous flutter kick throughout the stroke cycle
Correct answer: Two-beat kick with one kick at entry and one at the end of the pull-through
Butterfly uses a two-beat kick pattern: the first downbeat occurs at hand entry, and the second downbeat occurs at the end of the pull-through/hand exit.
Question 3: What is the 'catch-up' drill designed to improve in freestyle?
- Kick strength and tempo
- Stroke timing so one hand reaches full extension before the other begins pulling (Correct answer)
- Bilateral breathing technique
- Flip turn speed
Correct answer: Stroke timing so one hand reaches full extension before the other begins pulling
The catch-up drill trains swimmers to wait until the leading hand is at full extension before the recovering arm enters the water, improving stroke timing and balance.
Question 4: In breaststroke, what is the correct timing relationship between the pull and the kick?
- Pull and kick occur simultaneously
- The kick begins as the arms are completing their pull and recovering forward (Correct answer)
- The kick finishes before the arms begin their pull
- The kick drives the arm pull forward
Correct answer: The kick begins as the arms are completing their pull and recovering forward
In breaststroke, the kick is initiated as the arms complete the pull and begin recovery, so the propulsive phases of arms and legs alternate rather than overlap.
Question 5: A swimmer's hips are consistently sinking during freestyle. What is the MOST likely cause?
- Excessive kick amplitude
- Lifting the head too high to breathe (Correct answer)
- Pulling too deeply with the hand
- Using a six-beat kick
Correct answer: Lifting the head too high to breathe
Lifting the head high to breathe shifts body weight forward and causes the hips to sink, breaking the streamlined horizontal position.
Question 6: What is the function of the 'recovery' phase in freestyle?
- To generate propulsion through the water
- To return the arm above water to the entry position while the other arm pulls (Correct answer)
- To rotate the hips for power
- To initiate the catch phase
Correct answer: To return the arm above water to the entry position while the other arm pulls
The recovery phase moves the arm above water back to the entry position, allowing the swimmer to reposition for the next stroke without creating drag.
Question 7: Which backstroke technique error causes a swimmer to zigzag or swim off-course?
- Excessive hip rotation
- Asymmetrical arm pull depth or entry position (Correct answer)
- Six-beat kick pattern
- Over-rotation of the shoulders
Correct answer: Asymmetrical arm pull depth or entry position
When the hand enters outside the shoulder line or the pull depth differs between arms, the uneven forces cause lateral deviation and a zigzag path.
ASCA Swimming Technique & Stroke Development 3
What is 'early vertical forearm' (EVF) and which stroke phase does it apply to?