TI helped me learn about things like balance, efficiency, drag reduction/streamlining, core rotation - all that kind of stuff that I knew nothing about. But if you feel like you already have good form, and now just want to add speed, you might not get much out of TI. But if you feel like you need to start with the basics, TI could be very helpful. Not much point trying to make an inefficient vessel go faster. At least that is the TI approach, as I understand it, and it makes a good bit of sense.
Good technique is good technique is good technique. Some coaches teach it well; others don't. Whether they are a "TI coach" is really more of a business decision than any indicator about coaching ability or swimming knowledge. I would say that the qualifications for becoming a "TI coach" are fairly laughable.
I attended a TI seminar a few years ago and was lucky enough to have Terry Laughlin himself as my coach. I loved the clinic, Terry, and everything he taught me. I have so many bad habits I would need Terry 1-on-1 for a few months to have a TI type perfect stroke unfortunately. I am more of a miler, open-water type swimmer so I cannot comment on the "sprint" aspect of your question although Leslie's is a drop-dead sprinter and world record holder so I'd agree with whatever opinion she has.
That's why I said "virtually." Most of the TI teachings, however, are contrary to what sprinters should focus on.
I like TI. For sprinting, it's not a total package (strength training, kick power...), but the ideas about posture, drag reduction, and grip are solid. I like to use a TI-esque freestyle drill progression when teaching.
Effectiveness of TI just depends on skill level. If someone has not spent time as a competitive swimmer, they probably need to figure out how to hold a line, which is very difficult at first. I used to spend a lot of time watching bad swimmers, when I was in the hot tub after my workouts. They all swim the same way: sagging hips, dropped elbows, wide flailing kick, too much head motion/elevation.
Here's a video of some dudes who probably think they are extremely "fit" and "intense" doing the same stuff you can see in any public lap swim session:
www.youtube.com/watch
Exactly. This is why I like it. You throw a beginner in a pool (figuratively) and tell them to do 100x100, they are going to suck as a sprinter. If you give them 8x25, they are going to develop some power and sprint feel, but they will still have fundamental problems with efficiency.
If it wasn't for TI, I may never have developed as a swimmer to the point where I am now. It taught me the basics and then with additional coaching and training I went from a slow distance swimmer to being able to sprint and be competitive. And you must remember that I had no competitive swimming experience prior to age 48 when I took up swimming as an exercise to lose weight.
Agree that TI has nothing common with sprinting - their motto is: How to swim longer without getting tired - which is more about long distance swimmers and triathlets. I watched their materials and read the book - no sprinting sets and drills there.
Some ideas and drills from TI might be useful though for sprinters during a period when they work on basic endurance.
