Low-Profile Extended Balance helps you learn the best alignment and balance for swimming Combat Side Stroke.

Start by kicking on your back.  When you feel balanced…

… tilt slightly and get balanced on your side.  A slice of dry arm is your visual cue.

When you feel balanced and relaxed on your side, sneak your bottom hand up to full extension.  Keep your chin tucked, and keep looking directly at the ceiling through this entire move.

Take your time in moving the hand up to the extended position, and make sure that the head and body stay low and horizontal.

Your extended hand should be about 6 inches below the surface, and your palm should be DOWN.

If there’s a big gap between your shoulder and your head, this can slow you down because it creates a lot of resistance.

Try to close that gap as much as possible, but do it by bringing your arm toward your head and not by moving your head toward your arm.  

You can practice this in the pool…  

This is not the way to do it.   

This is better.

Or you can practice it by lying on your side.  

Again, this is what not to do.  

This is better.

Practice Extended Balance on both sides.  If you have a lot of muscle in your shoulders and upper body, it will take practice until you are flexible enough to do this really well.  Keep working on it, because Extended Balance is the key position for swimming a fast Combat Side Stroke.

**Biggest Mistake Candidates Make** 
The big mistake is that candidates try to be exactly on their side when they extend one arm.   

It’s easier to close the gap and find balance when you are just slightly on your side.


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Step #4: Low-Profile Extended Balance