Thumb

Thumb (cue_set)

Definition: The above-water recovery cue sequence in which the hand exits the water with the thumb leading, rotates to "hi" at the apex of the arm stroke, and enters the water with the pinky finger in Position 11.

Core cues:

1. "Thumb exits, twist palm out at apex, enter water with the pinky."
2. "Above water recovery: thumb, hi, pinky"
3. "Hand should lead with the thumb, then rotate to 'hi' by twisting out so palm faces away from the body."
4. "Hand exits the water with the thumb up, at apex of the arm stroke (90° to water) rotate palm out, then the pinky finger enters the water in Position 11."

Coach interpretation:

• Thumb: Watch for the hand exiting the water with the thumb up/leading; the thumb is the first part of the hand to break the surface at the hip.
• Hi: At the apex of the arm stroke (90° to water), the instructor watches for the palm to twist out so it faces away from the body.
• Pinky: The pinky finger is the first part of the hand to re-enter the water in Position 11; the instructor watches for the entry point and the subsequent push down while bending the elbow.

Teaching strategy:

• Practice on deck first. Go slow. Start in soldier position.
• Move 1 arm at a time.
• Deck drill: "Bend elbow and Thumb, Hi, Pinky clap the thighs with palm."
• From soldier position, raise the hand directly in front of the arm and raise to Position 11.
• Under water push: anchor palm with elbow and push.
• Focus feedback to learners on long reaching arms and hip rotation after the body line is mastered.
• Hips rotate with the arms: recovering arm side hip rotates up; pushing arm side rotates down.

Common errors and corrections:

• Pausing in Position 11: Arms travel through Position 11 but do not pause; any pauses should be minimal and in "soldier" or at the hips.
• Banana body: Chin slightly tucked; avoid banana body. Body should be mostly flat or neutral at the surface from chin to toes.

Progression:

• Before: Body line and balance mastered (long flat body held neutrally at surface).
• After: Add hip and shoulder rotation drills as basic body line and balance is mastered. Underwater arms initially straight elbow pushing and begin bending at the elbow as mastery increases.
• Sequence within stroke: Precise rainbows (arms exit near hips, straighten, travel in rainbow arch into Position 11) → Thumb/Hi/Pinky recovery → Underwater push.

Short verified cues (confirmed present; check by eye): “Move 1 arm at a time.”