SWIMMING STROKES

Manawatu Times, Volume LIII, Issue 6536, 18 February 1928, Page 10

SWIMMING STROKES

(By Bronze Medallion.)'

Several of the more important strokes have already been dealt with in these series. The writer now proposes to deal with one or two wellknown strokes practised by the previous generation, and to point out their merits. The Side Stroke. In this familiar stroke, the body floats on one side. The legs in kicking assume the same position as when walking—the upper leg being kicked forward while the lower one is bent backwards. They are then simultaneously brought together. This is what is known as the “scissors” kick, and explains itself. When the kick is given the under arm is shot forward then brought downwards under the body. The upper arm is brought < forward level with the head, and drawn alongside the body to the hips. This is a very easy stroke to master. It is a very useful stroke in towing a tired swimmer or rescuing a docile patient (fifth method of rescue). In a choppy sea or other rough water, where a considerable distance may have to be swum, it is the ideal stroke and should therefore bo the accomplishment of every swimmer. The Single Overarm. This stroke is a variation of the side-stroke. The kick and the action of the under arm are identical. One arm —usually the left—is brought out of the water, carried well forward, and moved through the water as in the side-stroke. The Over-Arm Stroke. In this stroke, also known as the “ Trudgeon ” stroke from its first exponent, both arms are brought alternately out the water and with the elbows bont carried well forward in front of the head. The “scissors” kick with the is used, though some favour an additional flip or two with the logs between tho proper kicks. It is important to remember that only one “scissor” kick is delivered in each complete stroke. The double kick, or kick with each arm movement, is a mistake, as it retards more than it helps propulsion. Kick just as the right arm enters the water and reach forward to gain the full benefit of the impetus gained. ' Tho legs should be kepi straight together during the movement of tho left arm. Breathe during the movement of the left arm. Avoid excesive roll as the shoulders create too much friction. Don’t bustle tho stroke unduly, but see that the maximum power is obtained from each movement On account of the strain on th-e spinal musI clcs in attempting to get the same 1 speed, this stroke has been lately | superseded by the “American crawl” already described.

NOTES AT RANDOM General satisfaction has been expressed among swimmers at the decision of th Australian champion “Boy”- Charlton, to make the trip to the Olympic Games this year. Should he be lit and well for this important event there is every chance of distance rcords being broken, and a few world’s championship titles being credited to this phenomenal young swimmer. The New Zealand team chosen for the Olympic Games is a strong one, both Lindsay and Moorhouse will probably find the opposition too solid. Miss B. Stockley and Miss K. Miller, however, have been swimming very well in Australia lately and should be among the place-getters in their respetive distances. Manawatu Talent. Harrispn, the Poxton swimmer, is going very well at present, He uses a four-boat crawl at present, and has the makings of a good distance man. C. McKenzie the Y.M.C.A. boy, who recently established a new Manawatu Centre record for the hundred yards should go far in the swimming world He might do well to rest on his laurels for this season, however, as he has not yet fully recovered from his disability. The Maori boy Hirini is another very promising Poxton swimmer who may bo expected to do great things in a couple of years if properly guided. Page, the Palmerston North Club swimmer, has good stamina and the build for a distance swimmer, but would do better to cultivate the crawl for all distances. At the Y.M.C.A. carnival, Morgan gave a fine exposition of the breaststroke. He has a splendid action and would do well to further practise this stroke.: Divers, Among the divers, W. Eyre (Y.M.C.A) has been performing very consistently and is showing good promise. Bade (Betiding) has a good approach but. rather a faulty flight in his running dive. Lady Swimmers. There seems to be a dearth of lady swimmers in the Manawatu district. Misses Ercnstrom and N. Milverton arc two promising Palmerston North girls who would undobtcdly give a good account of themselves if taken in hand by a good coach. Palmerston North Baths. What is urgently needed in Palmerston North is a bigger baths for carnival purposes. The Municipal bath* would also be greatly improved

if they were covered in, supplied by artesian water and made tepid. Life-Saving Club. Mr J. Weston-Smith and a body of enthusiasts who met at the pool near the bottom of Scandia street are forming a life-saving club, and hope to have a proper life-saving reel at the river at an early date. HUNTER CUP COMPETITION. The first distance in the Hunter Cup competition (33 1-3 yards) was contested by members of the Palmerston North Amateur Swimming Club last evening with the following results— First heat: E. Milverton (Iscc) 1, K. Moffatt (set) 2, S. McKenzie (Iscc) 3. Time, 23 1-5. Second heat: E. Fletcher (Isec behind scr) 1, H. Bird (Iseo) 2, J. Sutton (scr) 3. Pinal; Fletcher 1, Moffatt and Milverton tie for second place. Time, 21 1-5. There wore 13 starters in the event. The next distance (66 2-3 yards) will bo contested next Friday night.