Mid-position scull
Scull with bent elbows in a position close to the catch so you can feel pressure on the hands and forearms.
- Stroke
-
Choice
- Goal
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Feel for the water
- Level
-
Intermediate
- Equipment
-
Pull buoy
How to do it
Set the arms in front and slightly below the shoulders, with the elbows bent and higher than the hands. Make small inward and outward sweeps without pulling the elbows backward. Look for steady pressure on the hands and forearms.
Key cues
- Keep the elbows stable during the small sweeps.
- Use the hand and forearm as one pressure surface.
- Keep the shoulders relaxed.
- A pull buoy can help hold position without kicking.
Common mistakes
- Pulling the elbows backward with each sweep.
- Bending the wrists sharply.
- Turning the scull into a short full pull.
- Moving the hands so fast that pressure disappears.
Practice format
6 × 15 to 25 m with 20 s rest, or 8 × 25 m with 10 to 12 m scull followed by full-stroke swimming.