meansswimming

Meanswimming is a style of freestyle swimming developed by Australian swimmer Todd Pearson in the late 1990s. The technique involves alternating the arm strokes in the freestyle, whereby one arm recovers while the other arm drives forward, then switching roles.

This method was developed as a counter to the catch-up swimming method, which had been the dominant freestyle technique at the time. Meanswimming is thought to conserve energy and reduce drag, as each arm only has to complete a half-stroke compared to the continuous movement in catch-up style.

Pearson and his coach, Bob Bowman, discovered the method when experimenting with different arm rotations. They found that by alternating the strokes, they could achieve greater efficiency and reduced fatigue. Meanswimming quickly gained popularity among competitive swimmers and has been widely adopted in both amateur and professional events.

While initially expected to offer improved performance, research has yet to confirm definitively whether meanswimming yields substantial benefits over traditional freestyle techniques. Some swimmers report improved propulsion and decreased strain on their shoulders, while others claim little to no difference in their performance.

The main advantage of meanswimming may be its potential allow for better body positioning and timing. This alignment can potentially enhance overall swimming efficiency. Swimmers may need to develop specific drills and exercises to master this style effectively.