What is the fastest way to slow down from a freefall swoop approach?

Adopting a slow fall position with arms forward and knees down is the fastest way to slow down during a freefall swoop approach because this body position increases drag, which reduces your vertical speed effectively. By positioning your arms forward and bending your knees, you create a more streamlined shape, allowing for better control and stability while also maximizing the drag force acting against your fall.

This position is often referred to as the “box position” or "arch," which is conducive for slowing down without altering the body’s orientation too much. Maintaining a coordinated position can help mitigate excessive spinning or tumbling, allowing for a more controlled descent.

In contrast, while seeking drag by spreading arms and legs can also slow your descent, it can lead to an unwieldy position that might affect your stability and control. Spiral descent can enhance your maneuverability but generally leads to an increase in forward speed rather than a rapid slowdown, and pulling the parachute harder is not relevant in a freefall context, as it refers to deploying the parachute rather than slowing down in freefall.