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,
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
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
