Why is the backstroker turning his head from side to side? Why isn't the freestyler crossing the midline of his body in the pull-through? Why does the breaststroker have difficulty with the position of his head? Why do some butterflyers have more flexion in one elbow while the other forearm is extended? Some of these common stroke faults may have a residual reflex base. These residual reflexes can interfere with stroke mechanics. Once observed and diagnosed, these reflexes can be integrated so that the fault in the stroke is removed. Activities designed to integrate the reflexes can be part of the swim program itself. An understanding of reflex development is important to the success of such a program.
© Copyright 1975 Swimming II: Proceedings of the Second International Symposium on Biomechanics in Swimming, Brussels, Belgium. Published by University Park Press. All rights reserved.