What position should a freestyle swimmer's hand be in throughout the pulling movement It seems the fingertips should always be pointing towards the bottom of the pool to maximize water push-back.?

During the pulling movement in freestyle swimming, a swimmer's hand should be positioned with the fingertips pointing slightly downward, but not directly towards the bottom of the pool. This allows for an effective catch and helps generate maximum propulsion through a technique called "high elbow" positioning. The hand should maintain a slight angle to create a better surface area for pushing against the water, optimizing the pull phase of the stroke. Overall, a relaxed yet firm grip with the wrist slightly bent will enhance efficiency and power in the stroke.