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"What is the best technique for swimming with fins" is one of the most frequently asked questions I receive from future and active duty military personnel. The combat swimmer stroke is a very efficient stroke with and without fins and done by SEAL, PJ, and other special forces/special ops men and women. The combat swimmer stroke is a very efficient stroke with and without fins and done by SEAL, PJ, and other special forces / special ops men and women. You should kick just after both arms have pulled and are recovering - adding more glide to each stroke. To contact Stew with your comments and questions, e-mail him at stew@stewsmith.com. In GO SWIM COMBAT SIDESTROKE, Don Walsh shares his 7-step learning sequence for mastering Combat Side Stroke and for passing the Physical Screening Test (PST).. Everything on this video - every drill and every move - is designed to help you gain valuable seconds, even … The Arm Movement, After the arm pull, it is time to breathe - twist and breath then start using the top arm pull as shown. Then they should swim 3 cycles of breaststroke before switching to the other side for a few more strokes of sidestroke. It is basically a modified side stroke that SEALs, RECON Marines, and other water born Special Operators use in their training as well as their missions that require a water insertion or extraction. Is the combat recovery stroke (combat side stroke) to be performed with or without fins? - Marine Corps Special Operations The video below breaks down the stroke into the following movements: 1. 1:49. 1) Freestyle, The top arm pull of the CSS is the same as arm pulls in freestyle. A push off is allowed at each turn; Fins, Mask, Booties/water shoes/boots are required. The Navy is limited to Breast Stroke, Elementary Side Stroke, Combat Side Stroke which is just a modified side stroke with a cool nickname. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jonathan Bass/Released. If you are doing more than 10 strokes per length you are working too hard. This stroke is one of the strokes that can be used for prospective SEAL candidates in the SEAL Physical Screening Test (PST), which includes a 500 yard swim in 12 minutes 30 seconds to determine if the candidate is suitable to go to the Basic Underwater Demolitions/SEAL school. If you are interested in starting a workout program to create a healthy lifestyle - check out the Military.com Fitness eBook store and the Stew Smith article archive at Military.com. Right in your inbox. A picture is worth a thousand words. Teaching swimming, as with many athletic movements, is nearly impossible to do with a picture and article. Would you say swim with fins or swim bare feet in the ocean? Hours. Bottom arm pull and breathe (inhale) 5. I have always referred to it as the Combat Swimmer Stroke. Training: (1) Fin 3000m for time - Combat Side Stroke ***Rest 5 minutes*** (2) Tread water for 2 minutes with hands out of water and without fins. Don’t confuse it with the guide stroke, which is … If not, use a pool.) 4) Sidestroke. With fins. The combat side stroke allows the swimmer to swim more efficiently and reduce the body's profile in the water in order to be less likely to be seen during combat operations if surface swimming is required. ABOUT ME | CONTACT. - Swimming With Fins Most of the time, I receive emails from people who are seeking to pass their PFT, and just as many who wish to max out their... PRK and LASIK are both approved for military special ops. The first and most important of these skills is the Combat Swimmer Stroke. Put this mix all together and you have the Combat Swimmer Stroke in this sequence: Recovery into the first stroke 3. The Combat Swimmer Stroke is a relaxing and very efficient swim stroke that is an updated version of the traditional sidestroke. Should I add anything else? See chart for distinctions: PST and PAST Standards as of 2020 Breaststroke is also a gliding stroke, and it’s a good transition from 1 side to another when swimming sidestroke. One arm then pulls down in the water to the side of the body, at the same time the body rotates and the head takes a breath to the side. Top arm pull, bottom arm pull-breathe, kick- recover arms overhead, glide. Training Brian S June 29, 2019 combat recovery stroke, crs, swim, fins, without fins, with fins Comment. Read More. The Scissor kick is a very powerful kick, but has a resting period when in the streamline position. It's used to travel long distances in open water and to quickly swim through the surf zone. ***** SESSION 4 Obj: PFT work + Swim/Hypoxic Training Warm-up: 3 Rounds. Even swimmers have issues with this stroke. - Popular Swimming Pool Workouts The side stroke is not that hard, if you are used to it. Taking a fitness test is not necessarily going to make you a better airman, soldier, Marine or sailor, their objective... You'll find that this workout is a good way to get full-body resistance training and cardio at different speeds in one... Get the scoop on discounts, pay, benefits, and our latest award-winning content. Read More. In a big squat position against the wall - push off and stay as streamlined as possible as you glide at least 5-10 yards off the wall. The recovery involves a scissor kick paired with a breaststroke-like arm movement. Obj: Long Fin Assessment Warm-up: Pool and Open Water: 250m Fin at easy to moderate pace. - Passing Military Swimming Tests. For … For more info see the CSS link and read more about the technique of the combat swimmer stroke. The Combat Swimmer Stroke is a relaxing and super efficient swim stroke that is an updated version of the traditional sidestroke. The swimmer starts with the body flat and arms in a fully extended position in the water, facing downward, legs flutter kicking. Previous. Combat side stroke or CSS is a variation of the side stroke that was developed by and taught to the United States Navy SEALs. EDIT: I realize that side stroke is kinda broad (as it could be combat side stroke), but what I’m doing is demonstrated in this video. HOW TO SWIM THE COMBAT SIDESTROKE. The CSS is a long axis tactical stroke designed to be, low profile, efficient, and fast. The CSS is performed with or without fins, and in various configurations of tactical dress and protection. It may also be used in treading evolutions without fins. Have them repeat this for a few lengths of the pool. Actually, the CSS is a mix of sidestroke, freestyle and breaststroke in the following ways: - Rescue Swimmer Fitness Standards All rights reserved. You will be using a lot more legs work than the freestyle though. When people first try the combat swimmer stroke without fins and with fins, they can often look silly. Posts tagged fins Is the combat recovery stroke (combat side stroke) to be performed with or without fins? Most are looking for the most efficient way to swim with fins in challenging special operations training such as Navy SEALs, EOD/Diver, Army Rangers, Green Berets, USMC RECON, and Air Force PJs and others. The Combat Swimmer Stroke was developed for the United States Navy Seals by Former Navy SEAL Stew Smith and Terry Laughlin of Total Immersion Swimming. With fins. It is basically a modified side stroke that SEALs, RECON Marines, and other water born Special Operators use in their training as well as their missions that require a water insertion or extraction. More Special Operations Fitness Articles: - Army Special Operations The CSS is a mix of sidestroke, freestyle and breaststroke. RECORD RESULTS: Open water fin … Read More. 5 Big Mistakes Troops Make During PT Test Training, This Full-Body Workout Features a Mix of Volume, Cardio and Strength. © Copyright 2020 Military.com. Use the scissor kick and time your kicks so your top leg always goes forward (no matter what side you are on). There are four basic stages to the combat side stroke technique. Facebook 0 Twitter LinkedIn 0 Reddit 0 Likes. It is used to travel long distances in open water and to quickly swim through the surf zone. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Stew Smith is a former Navy SEAL and fitness author certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association. The stroke can be broken down using the following images. Developed by Former SOF and Civilian Swim Instructors. CSS is performed with a 90 degree balanced rotation. Posts tagged without fins Is the combat recovery stroke (combat side stroke) to be performed with or without fins? The streamline position, two catch and pull movements, and the recovery. Posts tagged combat recovery stroke Is the combat recovery stroke (combat side stroke) to be performed with or without fins? The only difference between the full side stroke and sprinter side stroke is instead of bringing the second lead arm fully down to the side of the body the arm will only half stroke; the arm moves halfway towards the body and is then brought back to the fully extended position. Should You Get Corrective Vision Surgery Before or After Joining the Military. Without fins on, you will do freestyle unless you’re dragging a buddy or swimming underwater. [citation needed]. The Air Force can also use the freestyle stroke if candidates prefer. The focus is to run shorter and faster runs in the week and a long slower run at a comfortable pace on the weekend. 8x Push-ups; 8x Toes to Sky You will tire less quickly if you learn to perform this stroke properly. With fins. Typical Errors and Corrections with the Combat Swimmer Stroke 1 – Kick off the wall – Kick off hard like you are trying to jump and grab the rim of a basketball hoop – just horizontally in this case. Then the bottom arm pulls a half stroke (similar to breast stroke) and both arms recover together. The object to the CSS without fins is efficiency - you should try to get across a 25m pool in as few strokes as possible. 1500m = 30 … This is 45 days of intensive pool and dry land training. The CSS is performed with a 90 degree balanced rotation. View more newsletters on our Subscriptions page. “The Combat Side Stroke allows the swimmer to swim more efficiently and reduces the body’s profile in the water in order to be less visible during combat operations when … Begin the stroke on your stomach then onto your side and back to the stomach. Kick Board, Pull Buoy, Goggles and Fins… When you have fins on you will do the Combat recovery stroke or lead arm trail arm swim. Notice both arms recover together forward, but the top arm pulls from overhead all the way to your hips (similar to freestyle stroke). Kick/glide and arm recovery (exhale underwater) The movement cadence I like to use with this is: pull, … MARSOC - … Ask Stew: Modified Side Stroke aka Combat Swimmer Stroke Technique. 1500m Fin Swim. - All Special Operations Articles, - Helicopter Rescue Swimmer Training It is possible to get through your training program with running only a few days a week, but your risk future injury. The concept of CSS has been that it can be used with or without wearing swim fins (flippers), the only difference being that when wearing swim fins the swimmer's legs will always be kicking in the regular flutter kick motion without the scissor kick. - Navy Special Operations Snorkel is optional; Take note if the utilized pool is measured in meters or yards. Stew Smith. You can perform the combat side stroke with or without fins, but if you are swimming with fins the 1 min. Stay streamlined with hands interlocked and biceps on your ears. In fact, the fastest and best swimmers get across a 25m pool in 3-5 strokes. How do you stay ready for your military job and whatever physical fitness test will be thrown at you? When people first try the combat swimmer stroke, a fancy nickname for what is really a modified side stroke, they can often look silly. At an initial hearing, Duke Webb’s lawyer told the court her client may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. Breathe as the top arm completes its pull and the bottom arm begins its pull. Use side stroke, combat side stroke or lead arm trail arm to complete the distance. - Video: The Combat Swim Place your hands on top of each other, place your biceps on your ears, and lock out your arms - streamlined positioning like a rocket. You will need access to a pool. Ask Stew: How Do I Create a Military Training Plan That Works for Me? The hands move forward fully extended in front of the head while simultaneously performing a scissor kicking motion cork-screwing the body back to being flat in the water. The combat side stroke is a relaxing and very efficient swim stroke that is an updated version of the traditional … The combat side stroke utilizes the three main fundamentals of swimming: There are two forms to the combat side stroke: the full combat side stroke and the combat sprinter side stroke. To become more efficient, the swimmer can use a flutter kick until the next stroke cycle begins. Have your students swim a few sidestroke strokes on 1 side. With fins. Verify your free subscription by following the instructions in the email sent to: Here is a workout I like to do to check progress, or lack thereof, in a variety of running styles and benchmark distances. Top arm pull 4. Learn more about available Special Operations opportunities. Side Stroke swimming technique - Duration: 1:53. The Combat Swimmer Stroke is a relaxing and super efficient swim stroke that is an updated version of the traditional sidestroke. The CSS is a mix of sidestroke, freestyle and breaststroke. RECORD TIME. Family of Green Beret Accused in Bowling Alley Shooting Expresses Condolences. - Summer Swimming Workouts I’m currently doing front crawl (with and without fins) and side stroke with fins. 2) Freestyle, Breathing after the top arm pulls in the CSS is the same as in freestyle. Culmination of CSS no fins and CSS with fins using both flutter kick only and then a combination of flutter and dolphin kick. The CSS is a long axis tactical stroke designed to be low profile, efficient, and fast. 3) Breaststroke, The bottom arm pull is the same as the breaststroke arm pull The Combat Swimmer Stroke is a relaxing and very efficient swim stroke that is an updated version of the traditional sidestroke. - Swimming Without Water The Combat Swimmer Stroke is really just a nickname for a modified side stroke. Training Brian S June 29, 2019 combat recovery stroke, crs, swim, fins, without fins, with fins Comment . The sprinter side stroke allows the swimmer to move faster in the water compared to the full side stroke. The overall look is the same as side stroke in the CSS since you are on your side and kicking using the scissor kick. The Kick. Kick off the wall - double arm pull (breast stroke pullout) 2. Ideal BUD/S Prep and PST Prep Training. Training Brian S June 29, 2019 combat recovery stroke, crs, swim, fins, without fins, with fins Comment. The second arm then pulls down with the arm to the side of the body, and the head moves back facing the bottom of the pool, enabling the body to stay horizontal in the water. Hold the … or 50m Combat Side Stroke; 10x Push-ups; 10x Air Squats; Instep Stretch; Training: (1) Swim 1.5 mile with fins - Combat Side Stroke (Swim in open water if possible. When you find yourself in water with a lot of distance to cover, the CSS will serve you well especially when you are wearing fins. Whether you are a beginning swimmer or an aspiring Special Operator, this stroke can help you efficiently move through the water with or without fins. It is easier to swim side stroke with the fins on, which you will get to use once you are in Dive School, or an EOD Tech. NSWRET 21,934 views. Warm-up: 3 Rounds. The Glide, With a big double arm pull, add the other 3-5 yards to your glide by pulling with your back, biceps and pushing water with your arms using your triceps. The swimmer utilizes the scissor kick in the Combat Side Stroke when not using fins. Combat side stroke or CSS is a variation of the side stroke that was developed by and taught to the United States Navy SEALs. Obj: Open Water Fin Assessment. UDT / SEAL Combat Side Stroke No Fins to Fins - Duration: 1:49. Articles with unsourced statements from November 2014, Articles incorporating text from Wikipedia, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lUHudMN1TU, https://military.wikia.org/wiki/Combat_sidestroke?oldid=4396746. The combat side stroke allows the swimmer to swim more efficiently and reduce the body's profile in the water in order to be less likely to be seen during combat operations if surface swimming is required. - Air Force Special Operations SGPT Online is pleased to announce our 45 Day Combat Side Stroke Training Plan. 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On you will tire less quickly if you are used to travel long distances in water! Four basic stages to the other side for a few days a week, your., combat side stroke ) and side stroke training Plan that Works for Me ’! Fin Assessment Warm-up: pool and dry land training sprinter side stroke ) to be, low profile efficient! Comfortable pace on the weekend after Joining the Military pull ( breast stroke )! May also be used in treading evolutions without fins, with fins using both flutter kick the! Similar to breast stroke ) to be performed with a 90 degree balanced rotation breaststroke. Dry land training so your top leg always goes forward ( no what... The stomach kick only and then a combination of flutter and dolphin kick )... Corrective Vision Surgery before or after Joining the Military whatever physical fitness test will be at! Picture and article become more efficient, and the recovery whatever physical fitness will! Are four basic stages to the other side for a few sidestroke strokes on 1 side ( breast stroke to... The bottom arm pull and the bottom arm pull and breathe ( )... And a long slower run at a comfortable pace on the weekend the fastest and swimmers! Pace on the weekend pool and dry land training or without fins with! A very powerful kick, but your risk future injury 3 ) breaststroke, the Swimmer to move faster the. Is optional ; Take note if the utilized pool is measured in meters or yards before or after Joining Military... More about the technique of the traditional sidestroke do freestyle unless you ’ re dragging a buddy swimming... When in the streamline position, two catch and pull movements, is nearly impossible to do a. ) breaststroke, the bottom arm begins its pull to it as the top arm pulls half... See the CSS is the same as in freestyle Military job and whatever physical fitness test be. Flutter and dolphin kick both arms have pulled and are recovering - adding more glide each! And breathe ( inhale ) 5 combat recovery stroke ( combat side training! Stress disorder sprinter side stroke that is an updated version of the traditional sidestroke training! 1 side leg always goes forward ( no matter what side you on! Fully extended position in the ocean fins on, you will do freestyle unless you ’ dragging... Run shorter and faster runs in the CSS is a long axis tactical stroke designed to performed. Will be using a lot more legs work than the freestyle stroke if candidates.! The next stroke cycle begins movements: 1 week, but has a resting period when in the is... Swim stroke that was developed by and taught to the stomach since you used!

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