Yesterday I took a swimming lesson for the first time since the mid-80s. I'm on leave from work this week and decided to do my own 'swim camp' by asking one of the instructors at my pool to do a session with me.
What a revelation! We spent the 45 minutes on freestyle stroke and a bit on kicking. I learned to reach, and to roll; a new arm position, and the feel of the water is transformed. Now I understand why core strength is important for a swimmer.
I had learned to swim in the days when you kept your shoulders parallel to the water and just turned your head. (In fact, we didn't even have goggles then.)
Improving the kick is harder and do I ever have to concentrate!
Anyone else among those of us who first learned to swim in the 60s and 70s (I am 51) have such an experience?
I can't wait to go to the pool today to practice...and next lesson is backstroke on Sunday.
Parents
Former Member
As far as hand angles are concerned, Phillip Whitten's book 'The Complete Book of Swimming' has some excellent diagrams.
The best approach, at least for someone like me with, shall we say, not the highest level of kinesthetic intelligence, is to have someone show it to me. Then the book helps me review and visulaise better what I did.
Good luck with your Saturday swim! My own abs and back are telling me that they like this new style...
As far as hand angles are concerned, Phillip Whitten's book 'The Complete Book of Swimming' has some excellent diagrams.
The best approach, at least for someone like me with, shall we say, not the highest level of kinesthetic intelligence, is to have someone show it to me. Then the book helps me review and visulaise better what I did.
Good luck with your Saturday swim! My own abs and back are telling me that they like this new style...
