Propulsion
Uniform application of propulsion
 This principle can also be called “movement continuity” because it is based on the verification that a continuous propulsive movement is more efficacious than an intermittent one. This is the reason for which freestyle is the fastest among the swimming styles. This is because while one arm recovers, the other has already started its propulsion.
Even the dolphin crawl, which in the propulsive phase carried out with two arms receives a very strong push, more than in any other phase in the freestyle, could never be faster than the latter.
The principle of continuity can also be applied to the backstroke. On the contrary of what some trainers sustain, recovery of the arm outside the water is an important phase because, if done incorrectly, it can cause an increase in frontal resistance. In fact, it must always be kept in mind that recovering an outstretched arm leads to the body oscillating on the lateral side.
Avoiding this inconvenience, in the backstroke for example, is very simple given that recovery can be made over the head. In the dolphin crawl, the arms are balanced. The greatest problem arises in the freestyle. In this case we try to limit the phenomenon by recovering with the elbow high.
Another error that is committed, especially in the backstroke, is the instinct to slow the arm down before it hits the water, after having imparted a certain force. If this occurs, the force of accumulated inertia will be dispersed, causing the head to lower into the water. This “oscillating” movement is extremely unproductive.
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