Learning different strokes

While one CAN learn this using texts and videos, a coach is a definate advantage. Short axis uses a much different technique than long axis.

For me the free is most technical, *** is the most difficult, fly was the easiest, and back feels the most natural.

If you attempt it on your own try to videotape yourself from time to time. You'll probably find what you think you're doing isn't actually what you are really doing. The advantage of a coach is you'll get instant feedback on your technique.

I ALWAYS am a better swimmer in my mind ----- THEN I SEE A VIDEO & YIKES !!! WHAT A MESS!

A coach & team would be much better & more fun. It can be done on your own ,but with many poor stroke habits.

But - what's the best way to learn Breaststroke and Butterfly? Is it possible to learn those two on your own? Would a coach be better A coach who knows how to teach adult swimmers new strokes would be good, but unfortunately there are very few of those. Resources I have used for me and the people I coach. 1. "Swimming Made Easy" butterfly section and the accompanying video. This is the "old" book and video, the updated butterfly progression isn't as good in my opinion. You should be able to find these resources used. I have heard that the videos can be found on usenet if you can't find a used copy. 2. For breaststroke, the book Extraordinary swimming for every body and the Breaststroke for every body video to go with it. These are the new ones and should be readily available. Those are the best two resources I have ever seen for adults to learn those strokes. This comes up regularly in my squad which has lots of triathletes and others who need to learn the basics of those strokes. Of course this assumes that you are at least to some degree able to teach yourself things. Some people definitely are (me) some definitely aren't (my daughter) and lots of in between. These resources should get you swimming a legal breaststroke and butterfly in relatively short order. I use these progressions in my coaching still.

Well, after 25 or so years out of the pool I have returned as a adult to a sport that I did as a child until I was old enough to resist which was around 13. My impression is that the every stroke has changed and so I find myself wanting to learn the new correct way. As with so many things however there are many opinions and approaches so reading from the library and watching videos on youtube has only really gotten me so far and I think it is time to reach out for instruction. But, speaking of youtube videos, is there a thread around here for tutorials or does anyone have a recommendation? I am not really at a point where I would spend money, my rational being that I could spend that toward instruction if/when I make that step. My pool is closing for some work soon and I think I will reach out to the local masters club at the other local pool when it happens.