Head Position-Freestyle

I agree with Lefty, and I would also recommend Emmett Hines' article posted on this web site www.usms.org/.../airgrav.htm Matt

Larry, I have read that the less you move your head during freestyle the better it is for your stroke.I have tried to implement this into my style with an element of success. :D Mark

Larry, Hop in a pool. Extend your legs and arms straight out in a stream line position and float on top of the water. You will be looking at the bottom of the pool. Now try to lift your head up in the position that you have been swimming freestyle. Your legs will start to sink. It has been determined that swimming with your head up (IE hairline on the water line) creates drag that can be avoided by tilting downward at say a 45 degree angle. And there is no "it depends." Here are some links: www.usswim.com/.../power_search.pl this one's has pictures: www.usswim.com/.../power_search.pl

i agree too with the dynamics however i tried head totally down without watching my front this morning and nearly ended swimming up some womens swimsuit whilst she still was wearing it,must check where im swimming to.....from......

The lack of forward visibility is a big problem ! I keep trying to get the kids that i teach to look downwards. However their sense of safety takes over. They want to see where they are going ! When they have more experience in the water, they will gain the confidence to trust that they will be OK. The rule i follow is head in neutral position throughout all of the strokes. This would be between the crown of the head and half way up the forehead in most people. Head looks down throughout breaststroke and Fly, laid back in Backstroke. The latest issue of "swimming technique" showed Michael Phelps and talked about his lower head position (eyes looking down). This article was by Cecil Colwin, who seems to have come around to the lower head position thing. Only last year in his latest book he advocated head raised up so that you can see your hand enter the water as an ABSOLUTE fundamental. There is some variation, based on individual bouyancy, centre of mass, etc. The aim is for the body to be as horizontal as possible. For instance females tend to have higher bouyancy (especially if large busted) and if the head is not lifted slightly then there is not enough depth of water to give enough purchase for their kick. Most males are the the opposite and a lower head position helps them more, especially if they have large leg muscles (cyclists). I think that "lefty" ( head down 45' ) may be misleading. For a lot of people this would be too low. This position could lead to your eyes looking behind you when you turn to breath. If you are doing this then you are tilting off the centre line. You head position " vis a vis ' the longitudinal axis to stay the same as you swim. I would say to experiment to find your own optimum head position. For myself i look downwards and forwards at a spot 1 metre in front of me in Freestyle. In fly i look straight downwards.

Gareth is correct "The head in neutral position throughout all of the strokes" Coaches world wide are now starting with body position first, then teaching technique. Most swimmers overlook the minor details that would help them swim better. What is with dark black or blue goggles for indoor pools? :mad: No wonder they can't see the walls. I require amber or clear antifog goggles for all my swimmers when coaching indoors. That way they can see without looking up. Have you seen the DVD video of Michael Phelps? No more sculling out and in, more of a straight pull. I did not like all of Cecil Colwin's book, or Maglishco's last book. At least Cecil is adaptive and always learning.

Originally posted by breastroker I did not like all of Cecil Colwin's book, or Maglishco's last book. At least Cecil is adaptive and always learning. Is there a book you do recommend? I thought that Maglischo was very thorough and, although he gives his opinions, presents opposing views (just to give one example, check out his discussion of grab vs. track starts). He also cites relevant research. By the way, Mike Bottom wrote that this was his favorite text.

I'd be interested in your article. My daughter (12) swims breaststroke. What I like about Maglischo (Swimming Fastest) are the sections on training principles; I've not spent that much time on his stroke technique chapters. It's also a great general reference (in my opinion) that covers topics like shaving, overtraining, etc.

Just a remark on Wayne's recommended books. Terry Laughlin has written three books, Total Immersion, Swimming Made Easy, and Triathlon Swimming Made Easy. Of those three, Total Immersion was published several years ago. It only talks about freestyle, the drills are not up to date with the current TI method, and (in my opinion) they are inferior. I do not know whether Wayne intended to specifically recommend Total Immersion over the two more recent books, but I would most strongly recommend those two instead. Of note Swimming Made Easy covers all four competitive strokes. Triathlon Swimming Made Easy focuses on freestyle for triathletes. Matt

Originally posted by breastroker Maglischo has 4 books out. Swimming Faster and Swimming Even Faster are great. His newest one Swimming Fastest is the largest in size. It is the only one that does not hold up to complete scientific scrutiny. I read a lot too. How does it not hold up to scientific scrutiny? Perhaps you could be specific.