I've tried really hard for the past week or so, granted no one ever taught me how to swim freestyle, i tried by observing others and reading here along with books, videos, etc.
So far I've tried- really reach for the light bulb method from one of the DVD forgot the name, where you try to swim on a streamline position, rotate through my hips, elbows high, fingertips dragging along water surface.
My coach told me to try to keep my chin close to my chest and rotate that way - tried that and I drink water.
Sculling and try to pretend that i'm pushing water behind me and pulling myself forward, none of this help.
My stroke count is horrid at 25-26 per 25 meter, and I'm slow as a snail.
Is there anything else I can do? I'm already swimming with the masters class and i am not sure keep pushing myself to do the sets will get me anywhere?
Thanks for letting me rant, but maybe i'm just hopeless?!
Former Member
I know this is really controversial, but you may want to look into Total Immersion. It's designed to help non-swimmers (especially triathletes) learn to swim more efficiently. There's basically a sequence of drills starting with basic balance in the water and working toward full-stroke freestyle.
fayewolf - how long have you been been trying to get your freestyle better? You said you've been trying hard for a week, but is that the full length of time?
I think your expectations may be way too high. It could easily take months to get your freestyle to where you might be reasonably satisfied. I swim with a triathlete who six months ago was awkward, slow, and seemingly hopeless. He is now quite good, does capable flip turns (all the time) and repeats 200s all day morning.
Even children, who probably adapt faster than us, take an entire summer to breathe without pausing and using the dog paddle.
It sounds like you've gotten good advice on what to do. But remember that your muscles are not trained to repeat these things over and over. They are also not strong with the "correct" stroke. 25 strokes for 25m is actually not bad. I've seen triathletes take 45 for 25y. Stick to it, swimming it the right way, and you will steadily improve.
What does the coach in this Masters program have to say about your situation? Surely there must be some shortcoming in your technique that is holding you back and I would think that a coach worth his salt would have the ability to pick up on that. You describe the most common issues with technique but I have to assume that one of those areas is still lacking. Maintaining a high elbow and pulling with your arm at a near vertical position should provide sufficient propulsion to keep your stroke count down.
Anyhow, short of getting your coach to help you out I second the idea of looking into TotalImmersion.Net. It helped me get started in the right direction and it might be just the right thing for you at this point.
Whatever you do, don't give up.
I second what scyfreestyler said about taking time to adapt. You must learn the correct movements and start to become comfortable with them, before you concern yourself with speed.
In fact, as you mechanics improve, you will notice that you do get faster, without trying any harder. Improved efficiency will lead to an improvement in times.
You must remember to have patience and to think about one thing at a time. Then only work at trying to improve one thing at a time. This will help you achieve faster gains as well, one focus at a time.
Also, you should look at www.goswim.tv and www.swimsmooth.com as well for advice/help.
Enjoy the ride.
I remember that to pass from line 6, which was the slower on my team, to line 5 it took me four months and then to get in line 1 (faster one) it took me a year and a half.
Keep on it !! ;)
Fayewolf,
I am a big fan of TI, but I think even it's critics would agree that you are someone who would benefit from some of its basic concepts. The stroke elements you describe are all individual components of the total TI package (and hence some of the arguments about whether TI is really as "new" or "revolutionary" or "unique" as the TI web site claims). Where I think TI excells is putting those components together in a logical sequence of drills that take you from simple floating all the way through a coordinated stroke.
I'd recommend one of two books they offer (for about $20 each, postage included). Triathlon Swimming Made Easy is aimed at runners who have little, if any, swimming experience and want to be able to complete a competent open water swim as part of a triathlon. It only teaches freestyle. Swimming Made Easy has drills and instruction for all four competitive strokes. I think the latter is the better buy for someone who wants to do USMS pool swimming. And, Swimming Made Easy shows how freestyle and backstroke are related, as well as *** and fly. You can find them at the TI web site: www.totalimmersion.net/products.html Excerpts from the books are available at: www.totalimmersion.net/free-books.html
You also might be able to score a discounted copy at amazon.com or barnes&noble.
Good luck, and as Terry would say "happy laps."
Matt
I think i was just a bit frustrated today. I'm super slow and i felt very bad. :(
I frown when the coach says 400meter on 6 minutes, I can prob complete like in 10 min. :(
Anyways, the old ladies told me that on Mon, Wed Fri, they have stroke clinic and the coach will really help me on my strokes. I was very relief.
I will report back when I go to the stroke clinic. She did managed to make me do about 15 meters of fly (pretty pathetic), and 25 meters of backstroke today.
Swimming is harder than I thought it would be. Been swimming breaststroke (the lazy way), i've been spoiled.
I checked out Total Immersion today and will try those drills out. I prob need to order a dvd coz I can't understand the drills just reading. Thanks everyone!
