Pinky (cue)
Definition: The arm recovery sequence where the hand exits the water with the thumb up, rotates palm out at the apex, and enters the water with the pinky in Position 11.
Core cues:
- "thumb, hi, pinky"
- "Hand should lead with the thumb, then rotate to “hi” by twisting out so palm faces away from the body."
- "At Position 11 “enter” the water with the pinky finger and push down while bending the elbow to clap the palm on the same side thigh."
- "Thumb, Hi, Pinky clap the thighs with palm"
- "Every arm stroke should travel through Position 11 but not pause or remain there."
Coach interpretation:
- "thumb, hi, pinky": Watch the hand exit thumb up, rotate palm out at apex, and enter pinky first in Position 11.
- "anchor palm with elbow and push": Underwater, anchor the palm with the elbow and push.
- "Hips rotate with the arms": Recovering arm side hip rotates up; pushing arm side rotates down.
- "Focus feedback to learners on long reaching arms and hip rotation after the body line is mastered.": Give feedback on long reaching arms and hip rotation only after the body line is mastered.
Teaching strategy:
Practice on deck first. Go slow. Start in soldier. From soldier position, raise the hand directly in front of the arm and raise to Position 11. Move 1 arm at a time. Practice arms on deck: Bend elbow and Thumb, Hi, Pinky clap the thighs with palm.
Common errors and corrections:
- Pausing in Position 11: Every arm stroke should travel through Position 11 but not pause or remain there; any pauses should be minimal and in “soldier” or at the hips.
- Rushing hip rotation before body line: Focus on body posture first; add hip and shoulder rotation drills later as basic body line and balance is mastered.
Progression:
Before: soldier position, anchor palm with elbow and push, raise hand to Position 11. After: hip rotation with arms, long reaching arms, body line mastery.
Short verified cues (confirmed present; check by eye): “Pinky”, “thumb, hi, pinky”, “Move 1 arm at a time.”, “away from the body.”