Swim Strength: Hanging Scapula Slide

A high range of motion is extremely important for the swimming arm stroke technical movement while the kicking motions of each stroke rely on a medium to minimal range of motion in the legs. During the arm recovery and entry the humerus (upper arm bone) may be limited by tightness in the latissimus dorsi, the mid-back muscles connected to the scapula, and even the pectoralis major. Remember, the shoulder is not a muscle, bone, or movement - it's a term used to generally describe the muscular interconnection of the clavicle, scapula, and humerus, as well as multiple ribs and spinal segments. A "shoulder" is not tight. Let's explore the hanging scapula slide and why it helps you swim better.