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
I had been a good swimmer for 20 years when, due to health issues, I had to literally relearn to swim beginning in the Fall of 1995. It took me 1.5 years to consistently do 25yds of freestyle. About 2001 I started doing fly. Now I can easily do several 100yds of fly per practice, and do equal amounts of the other three strokes for a total of 1600+yds (avg. 4x/wk).
My times are not stellar, but I know I’m a lot faster than most folks with my condition (a debilitating joint disorder). I’ve always focused mostly on technique and let the speed take care of itself.
A good coach will tailor the workout to fit the level of each lane/group (as other posts here have mentioned). Try and find a coach who does this. If you consistently swim within your ability and don’t beat yourself up you will improve.
Set realistic goals for yourself. Trying to do it all at once is totally unrealistic.
Try and make it fun, that makes it way easier to motivate yourself to go to practice.
I had been a good swimmer for 20 years when, due to health issues, I had to literally relearn to swim beginning in the Fall of 1995. It took me 1.5 years to consistently do 25yds of freestyle. About 2001 I started doing fly. Now I can easily do several 100yds of fly per practice, and do equal amounts of the other three strokes for a total of 1600+yds (avg. 4x/wk).
My times are not stellar, but I know I’m a lot faster than most folks with my condition (a debilitating joint disorder). I’ve always focused mostly on technique and let the speed take care of itself.
A good coach will tailor the workout to fit the level of each lane/group (as other posts here have mentioned). Try and find a coach who does this. If you consistently swim within your ability and don’t beat yourself up you will improve.
Set realistic goals for yourself. Trying to do it all at once is totally unrealistic.
Try and make it fun, that makes it way easier to motivate yourself to go to practice.
