What does Milo Cavic think of "hybrid freestyle"? One arm faster than the other.

Hey swimmers! This is coach Milo.

Welcome to another Q&A session where I answer questions from you all on the internet.

Today's question is:

"What does Milo Cavic think of "hybrid freestyle"? One arm faster than the other."

If one arm is moving faster than the other, it usually indicates a problem with your catch. You may be dropping your elbow or allowing your hand to cross the center line of your body, which reduces your ability to hold water effectively.

The key is maintaining a strong “power triangle” between your shoulder, elbow, and hand. Ideally, you want a 90-degree angle that allows your forearm and hand to maximize surface area against the water. If your elbow drops, you lose that leverage and end up slipping through the water rather than gripping it.

Another possibility is that one arm is simply stronger or more efficient than the other. In that case, your goal should be to bring both sides closer to balance. While perfect symmetry may not be realistic, it should always be the objective.

A balanced stroke ensures that both sides contribute equally to propulsion, which improves efficiency and reduces wasted energy.

Summary: Uneven arm speed in freestyle usually indicates poor catch mechanics or imbalance; swimmers should aim for symmetrical, efficient strokes with strong elbow positioning.