Thanks - not many people know it. Here is an article that may help bring it all home. Also see my instagram reels and tiktok page @stewsmith50 for hundreds of CSS critiques. www.stewsmithfitness.com/blogs/news/pull-breathe-kick-glide-1-mississippi-2-mississippi-repeat
The combat side stoke uses the leg flexers (leg lifts) to get more thrust vs noise at the expense of those small muscle groups not being able to keep it up long distance. It is less optimal for pulling a drown victim since the upper leg does not stay stationary above the knee. The arms have a more constant thrust that is more silent but less efficient. Once away from enemy ears, it is best to switch to the standard side stoke.
Mr. Smith I have been trying to learn this stroke on my own but I'm having trouble with the glide as in it seems I barely glide at all after my kick. Could I be kicking wrong or perhaps pulling too soon? In any case I can't seem to get below 8 strokes due to the lack of a glide. Any advice? Thanks
Your pull could be disordered as well, kinda plowing you in the water. This tends to happen when you breathe on the wrong pull. I had this happening to me after a little hiatus. Sort of lost my glide and then got frustrated and things went to shit.
Stew Smith is a former Navy SEAL and fitness author certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Visit his Fitness eBook store if you're looking to start a workout program to create a healthy lifestyle. Send your fitness questions to stew@stewsmith.com
Hi Stew, I've been using these videos to help develop my stroke. I had someone record me swimming using the CSS. Would you be willing to critique my stroke for me? If you don't mind, I could definitely email you the video file or a RUclips link. Thank you, Steven
Probably one of your best breakdowns ever.
Good video. Im a swiminstructor and want to add this stroke to my reperyour of swim strokes.
Thanks - not many people know it. Here is an article that may help bring it all home. Also see my instagram reels and tiktok page @stewsmith50 for hundreds of CSS critiques. www.stewsmithfitness.com/blogs/news/pull-breathe-kick-glide-1-mississippi-2-mississippi-repeat
The combat side stoke uses the leg flexers (leg lifts) to get more thrust vs noise at the expense of those small muscle groups not being able to keep it up long distance. It is less optimal for pulling a drown victim since the upper leg does not stay stationary above the knee. The arms have a more constant thrust that is more silent but less efficient. Once away from enemy ears, it is best to switch to the standard side stoke.
Rescue side stroke is done with the bottom leg forward and top leg back.
Thanks for this very good Video, Sir!
Best regards
Lukas
I don't see many people doing a double arm pull for the CSS. Is that allowed in 500m timed CSS?
Jordan D YES
Is he exhaling while under water? Or is he doing his full breathe when he surfaces?
Kurt Rhim Exhale underwater
Stew Smith Thank you for your time!
Mr. Smith I have been trying to learn this stroke on my own but I'm having trouble with the glide as in it seems I barely glide at all after my kick. Could I be kicking wrong or perhaps pulling too soon? In any case I can't seem to get below 8 strokes due to the lack of a glide. Any advice? Thanks
That is what it sounds like or your glide position after the kick.
Your pull could be disordered as well, kinda plowing you in the water. This tends to happen when you breathe on the wrong pull. I had this happening to me after a little hiatus. Sort of lost my glide and then got frustrated and things went to shit.
What did you do in military?
Stew Smith is a former Navy SEAL and fitness author certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Visit his Fitness eBook store if you're looking to start a workout program to create a healthy lifestyle. Send your fitness questions to stew@stewsmith.com
Hi Stew,
I've been using these videos to help develop my stroke. I had someone record me swimming using the CSS. Would you be willing to critique my stroke for me? If you don't mind, I could definitely email you the video file or a RUclips link.
Thank you,
Steven
Sure
I definitely want to improve, so feel free to butcher it.