"If you are coasting, you're going downhill." This phrase has powerful meaning when it comes to swimming technique. One of the main reasons that swimmers are reluctant to change a technical aspect is that they "have already made it this far with my technique" or "my technique is already pretty good." The unfortunate consequence that these swimmers fail to realize is that if they are not constantly working on their technique, their technical skills will actually diminish.
In physics, the term entropy is used to describe molecular systems and that fact they tend to fall apart, degrade and become more disorganized over time. The second law of thermodynamics says that this will happen unless a force counteracts this tendency. Taking this metaphor into swimming technique, inattention to detail allows your skills to deteriorate over time. This means if you are not constantly striving to improve your technique, not only will it not get better, but it will get worse. Call it "stroke entropy."
Pay attention to your technique. Be aware of what you did in the past, what you are doing now, and develop strategies with your coach to improve. Daily focus on these strategies will build your skills and increase your chances of climbing to the top of the swimming mountain. Lack of attention or desire to improve your skills, or unwillingness to make a change will leave you coasting into stroke entropy. And you know which direction that will take you.
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