If you spend a lot of time reading triathlon literature, chances are you have read some confusing and conflicting information on what you should be doing with your fingers in the freestyle pull. One train of thought is to keep your fingers together to ensure no water slips through the hands. Another train of thought says that you go faster if you relax the fingers and leave a little space between them. You might wonder, what is right? This article seeks an answer to this question.

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Q: I have a question about a David Thompson workout. On his website, www.thompsontri.com, he refers to goal 50's, with a one minute send off. You refer to his 50 yard workout, but with the 2 minute send off. Are these 2 different workouts?? Also, do you think it is safe to do these weekly? More often??

A: The workouts sound very similar (same repeat distance and repetitions with different intervals), but they serve a fundamentally different purpose. As Thompson indicates, a faster goal pace throughout the season on a 1-minute sendoff will give you confidence of continuous improvement. But it doesn’t do a great job of developing speed. 

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Coach Dobko will pick one of your questions each week and give you some insight into swimming. E-mail your questions to duanesworlddobko@worldnet.att.net.

Ever get really annoyed when someone behind you is tapping your feet with their hands?  The worst thing you can do in these cases is kick.  It might be frustrating, but the best thing you can do is let your legs go limp.  You might think that a wall of white water will look menacing and scary enough to ward off anyone behind you.  But what you are actually doing is making it easier for your competitors to find you! 

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