As a transfer, back to swimming from the "semi" sport of golf, I still have a strong desire to read instructional information. Whether it be in a book, magazine, or an article there is always a finepoint to be gleaned to improve ones golf game. And the quantity of books on golf...well need I go on?
Fast forward to swimming. A couple of books with out-of-date stroke descriptions and graphics made of ill formed stick figures. What's going on? I can find a 60 frame sequence of Tiger's golf swing, from a couple of angles, but it appears that all world class swimmers are camera shy. Why? Money? Not wanting to share secrets? Camera shortage?
Little stroke snipits (video loops) on the internet are not enough. Where is the detail? If the experts of our sport spend hours in a tank figuring out their hydrodynamics surely someone has take a Polaroid or two!?! (and is willing to share)
From what I have been able to find, nobody has published a quality Swimming book since Doc Counsilman. Does anyone have any reading suggestions? With real detail?
Parents
Former Member
Emmett,
The only stick figures that I've come across during readings were related to your articles only which are posted on the USMS home page. The concepts are visually easier to grasp when broken down into simple line work. Maybe that's just the architect in me.
All of the photos I've ever seen tend to focus on the path of hand movement during the pull and not the underliying source of power which comes from good hip roll and a long body line. Very simple concepts, but certainly a challenge to master when done correctly.
P.S. I've taken your suggestion about writing a workout journal which ultimately is the most beneficial reading of all. I've found keeping a journal can be very helpful in recalling the days when one's stroke is really "on". Even two days out of the pool can throw a bit of sensory amnesia into the proper feel of the water.
Thank you coach for all your contributions to this forum and the sport of swimming in general. Excellent web site too!
Emmett,
The only stick figures that I've come across during readings were related to your articles only which are posted on the USMS home page. The concepts are visually easier to grasp when broken down into simple line work. Maybe that's just the architect in me.
All of the photos I've ever seen tend to focus on the path of hand movement during the pull and not the underliying source of power which comes from good hip roll and a long body line. Very simple concepts, but certainly a challenge to master when done correctly.
P.S. I've taken your suggestion about writing a workout journal which ultimately is the most beneficial reading of all. I've found keeping a journal can be very helpful in recalling the days when one's stroke is really "on". Even two days out of the pool can throw a bit of sensory amnesia into the proper feel of the water.
Thank you coach for all your contributions to this forum and the sport of swimming in general. Excellent web site too!
