I'm basically new to swimming and I have two questions. I've included more background/basic info below if it's needed.
1. Is it a terrible idea to try to teach myself the butterfly? If not, what are the best resources I might consult? I've found some TI videos and thought I'd start with those (I find these especially appealing because they seem to emphasize using the core muscles.)
2. If it is a bad idea to try the butterfly on my own, could I do a breaststroke with a dolphin kick?
I've always enjoyed swimming, but due to joint problems I've recently started using it as my primary fitness regimen. I've been swimming two or three times a week for about a month - mainly head-up freestyle, and I've been getting outpaced by little-old-ladies (no offense to the little-old-ladies, in fact they're the one who have inspired me to work on my technique). I want to be a good, strong swimmer. I don't envision myself ever swimming competitively, though I suppose that could be cool eventually. I plan to take a swimming class, but the one in my area that seems most suited to my needs doesn't begin for about a month.
I did my first face in the water freestyle today. It did not go well. Turning and breathing was far more complicated than I imagined. I also tried the *** stroke, but the kick felt awkward. After some internet searching, I feel like I would like the butterfly, but I keep reading about how complicated it is.
it just depends on your ability, athleticism, & fitness
expert instruction is far better
suggestions I have for you are:
Swim butterfly fast, move your arms fast,
Don't breathe
only take a few strokes when attempting fly like 2, 3, 4 or 5
do small kicks until you perfect the timing
Keep your body flat
A coach once said "Practice doesn't make it perfect....perfect practice makes it perfect". Any swimmer, whether beginner or otherwise, needs to focus on individual elements of the stroke to improve - through practicing drills and practicing them slowly. JSB, you are new to swimming and you mentioned that you also have joint problems. I would strongly recommend, if you decide to start out with the butterfly, to proceed in very small increments, which is why I recommended kicking drills or single arm in my previous post. I would definitely not take a "fast" approach to the butterfly as this will not help build the foundation of your stroke, and will only increase any injuries that you may already have. A 'slow' approach to swimming (drills, kicking) is preferable if you want to develop a great butterfly. How many younger or beginner swimmers have we seen developing bad habits and carrying them throughout their lives because their coaches put more emphasis on "fast" swimming as opposed to "correct" swimming?
it just depends on your ability, athleticism, & fitness
expert instruction is far better
suggestions I have for you are:
Swim butterfly fast, move your arms fast,
Don't breathe
only take a few strokes when attempting fly like 2, 3, 4 or 5
do small kicks until you perfect the timing
Keep your body flat
A coach once said "Practice doesn't make it perfect....perfect practice makes it perfect". Any swimmer, whether beginner or otherwise, needs to focus on individual elements of the stroke to improve - through practicing drills and practicing them slowly. JSB, you are new to swimming and you mentioned that you also have joint problems. I would strongly recommend, if you decide to start out with the butterfly, to proceed in very small increments, which is why I recommended kicking drills or single arm in my previous post. I would definitely not take a "fast" approach to the butterfly as this will not help build the foundation of your stroke, and will only increase any injuries that you may already have. A 'slow' approach to swimming (drills, kicking) is preferable if you want to develop a great butterfly. How many younger or beginner swimmers have we seen developing bad habits and carrying them throughout their lives because their coaches put more emphasis on "fast" swimming as opposed to "correct" swimming?
