The USMS Video Library page in the Coaching section of this site now reflects the fact that the USMS Video Library operation has changed hands. It is now administered by Emmett Hines. All information and rental forms are in a PDF file. You can now fill out the form on your computer, email it and pay with PayPal. Or you can do it the old fashioned way - print it out and snailmail it with check enclosed. Also, return postage is now included in the rental fee.
The USMS Video Library has over 70 swimming-related titles available for rental - and we'll keep adding titles along the way.
Though the Video Library page has a link to one version of the PDF file, the most recent version of the information and order form is at: http://tinyurl.com/yy4d
This Acrobat (.PDF) file must be opened by Acrobat 5.0 (or higher) reader which may be downloaded free of charge from www.adobe.com/.../readstep.html.
Recently added to the lineup of titles are the following 4:
USA Swimming “Swim Fast” series:
Butterfly - Michael Phelps and Coach Bob Bowman (DVD)
Breaststroke - Ed Moses and Coach Pete Morgan share and demonstrate the drills and skills that make Ed the best breaststroker in the World (DVD)
Go Swim Series – Olympian Glenn Mills productions.
Breaststroke – (30 min) NCAA Champion Dave Denniston demonstrates 6 key focus points to help you develop breaststroke speed and technique -- while you train.
Breaststroke Turns & Underwater Pulls (30 min) finely detailed, progressions on how to create FAST turns and underwater pulls specifically for breaststroke.
Video Library Rentals are only available to current USMS members
I just watched the "Swim Fast" - Butterfly video with Michael Phelps and Bob Bowman, last night.
Interesting. Before watching it I thought I'd get some ideas as to what to improve with my stroke. After watching it I'm more confident that I'm on the right track.
There are things I can improve, but I believe strength /power is key for me. Also, he does more butterfly drills than I do. I think I'll concentrate on drills.
Last week I video taped my butterfly and it looked pretty good.
The differences between his stroke and mine are:
I lift my head a slight bit to breath. His neck seems pretty ridged. I think this is an effect of how deep he goes underwater. When he comes up to breath he's at a much steeper angle than me.
His hands are further apart than mine at entry. I don't think I'm going to change my entry position. I've tried swimming with them further apart and it's uncomfortable. I don't think it makes that much of a difference in the scheme of things.
I hesitate for a moment in my reach. Phelps pulls the moment his hands are in the water.
The biggest difference, however, is that his head is only above the water for the brief moment he's pulling. My head is out of the water for the brief moment my hands have completed their stoke and are coming back for recovery. THIS is the one thing I'm certain I have to fix.
Again, after watching it - I feel much better about my stroke. I thought it would be a downer, "Ah man, how can I ever swim like that?" After watching it however, I'm thinking, "Actually, technique wise I'm not that far off. Mostly I'm just out of shape."
