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?!
Parents
Former Member
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.
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.
