Freestyle technique questions

Hello, I'm somewhat new to these forums here, and was wondering if someone could help me with freestyle technique.. When I started swimming in high school, 1988, I was taught that the arms were to extend directly in front of the head to start the pull. I've been swimming this way for awhile, but someone noticed my stroke and suggested some changes. He said that now people are starting their stroke, entering the water with the hand slightly to the side of the head. I tried it for a bit, and in some ways it feels smoother, but I feel like I'm losing ground on strokes per distance. I realize there are a few different "styles" of swimming freestyle, straight arm recovery among others, but I was just wondering what everyone here had to say about placement of the arm when entering the water.. Another change suggested to me was to lift my head more and look a bit more forward, though I thought that keeping the head aligned straight with the back (looking straight down in the water), was the correct technique, and allowed for stronger, more streamlined body position.. Any thoughts on this, or suggestions for good articles etc.. would be much appreciated. Our YMCA is starting a Masters swim team and I'd like to get competitive and do the best I can. Thanks! Jeanette. ps.. This is a great forum, thanks for having it, and to all the members that participate, I've already learned so much! please bear with me as I am liable to have many questions! :p