Hello all,
So I've got a plateau problem that I've had for years now. I'm intent on overcoming it and getting faster, though I'm not sure what I"m doing wrong. I practice by myself because our masters swim times are WAY to early for me, (5:30 am).
I have a feeling that my catch is pretty decent and my position in the water feels good, (I've been told I have a very efficient stroke) and I can reach dps of 12-13 strokes per 25 yards (I'm 5'4"). I swim a relatively stratight track and I have a good streamline because I used to be a diver.
That being said, I'm VERY slow.. I average about 40 seconds (pushing off wall) for 50 yard freestyle. When I try to increase my stroke rate for sprints, I tend to keep the same times as when I do sets of stretch freestyle.
Any ideas on what I might be able to do to increase my speed? I wish I had a video to show but alas no luck.
Thank you for any tips you can give!!!
-Jeanette
Thanks for the tip!
Would this work with a push off as well, and if so what time would you suggest I shoot for in that case, 15 seconds?
Unfortunately we're not allowed to dive-in at our pool. The swimming blocks are forbidden, and we can't dive into the shallow end. Rules GRRRRRRR..
Get a tempo trainer (Finis has one) and experiment with different stroke rates while keeping your 12 - 13 strokes per length. As long as you keep a high elbow catch and not "spin your wheels" you should go faster.
Thanks everyone for your suggestions. ;)
I think I'll look into the tempo trainer, I've never heard of that before and it sounds interesting. I do believe that my turnover is slow, though when I increase my turnover rate, my form falls apart. I suppose it's about making small increases at a time.
As for setting specific goals, I have no idea what a realistic goal for gaining within a certain time speed would actually be. ?
It's easy to get lost in all of the information on this site so it's great to have people to discuss specifics with. Your help is much appreciated!!
Now if you'll excuse me I have to get to the pool!
-J
Keep it simple 1 step at a time. Don't over load and try to do everything at once.
Agreed, Keep it simple.
Step 1: identify where you are
Step 2: figure out where want to go
Step 3: GO
Do some golf. its where you swim a distance (50 for example) and ad your time, say 40 seconds, to your strokes, say 30, for a total score of 70. just try and lower that score
I have a feeling that my catch is pretty decent and my position in the water feels good, (I've been told I have a very efficient stroke) and I can reach dps of 12-13 strokes per 25 yards (I'm 5'4").
12-13 strokes per length is enviable, but it suggests to me maybe you aren't turning over fast enough. I'm over 6' and I take 12-13 strokes if I'm really working on a long stroke. During normal swimming I take more like 14.
I think the "swim golf" game is good, but always keep in mind the idea is to swim faster. A better golf score is worthless unless it means you're swimming faster, in my opinion.
