Please let me know if this forum isn't for this kind of question.
I am trying to learn to swim properly. I have been very comfortable with water all my life, no problems at all. However, the only stroke I have ever swum is the *** stroke and probably not so well. Still, I have crossed small lakes swimming and feel completely at ease in any body of water.
Now I am trying to learn proper freestyle. No coach at this point. Lots of videos on the 'net and I also ordered the TI videos.
One problem I am having is that my body doesn't seem to stay near the surface of the water. Because of this, when I rotate to breathe the air isn't there...so I have to either over rotate or wait for the bobbing cycle to bring me back to the surface. I am not sure why this is happening and I am hoping that this is a simple newbie mistake and someone can point out how to correct it.
I am swimming with my head down, even pushing it down chin-to-chest. I am also doing skating drills on both sides and breathing without any problems during those. It's when I transition to crawl that I seem to descend just a few inches. I imagine if I was watching from the outside I'd see me kind of bobbing up and down as I move through the pool.
Any ideas or pointers in the right direction would be appreciated.
Thanks,
-Martin
Parents
Former Member
You would probably benefit a lot from a series of group or individually coached sessions. You can do a lot on your own, but at some point you HAVE to get someone with the right experience to work with you.
I second this. 10 minutes with someone who has given swimming instruction before might correct your problem.
It is really hard to help with your problem because I can't see you and you can't see yourself to describe what is actually happening, but there is probably a reason you are sinking.
If someone can video tape you that might help as well, but the quickest solution will be to find someone to work with you in person.
Reply
Former Member
You would probably benefit a lot from a series of group or individually coached sessions. You can do a lot on your own, but at some point you HAVE to get someone with the right experience to work with you.
I second this. 10 minutes with someone who has given swimming instruction before might correct your problem.
It is really hard to help with your problem because I can't see you and you can't see yourself to describe what is actually happening, but there is probably a reason you are sinking.
If someone can video tape you that might help as well, but the quickest solution will be to find someone to work with you in person.
