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
Hi,
There are three other key things that will help a lot:
1) individual consulataion: Doing an individual stroke clinic with a qualified coach is beneficial because the coach is focused on you and only you. When a coach is trying to deal with a lot of swimmers during group practices, it's difficult for the coach to give you all the atention you may need.
2) underwater video footage of your stroke: If you can get underwater video footage of your stroke (and compare it with some of the more refined examples you will find on swimming videos), you will learn a lot by seeing how you do it vs. how more experienced swimmers do it.
3) fins: using fins for drills and other exercises will increase your speed, but if you really concentrate on doing the drills correctly while using fins, it can also help you develop a feel for the drill and a feel for the water. Try to use the fins with purpose. Don't just use them to be faster in practice.
In addition to those three things, the July/August issue of SWIMMER has a technique pictorial on freestyle featuring commentary from coach Mark Moore of Mission Viejo. If you are a registered member of USMS, or if you have an individual subscription to the magazine, you should receive the July/August issue during the first week of July.
Good Luck!
Bill
Hi,
There are three other key things that will help a lot:
1) individual consulataion: Doing an individual stroke clinic with a qualified coach is beneficial because the coach is focused on you and only you. When a coach is trying to deal with a lot of swimmers during group practices, it's difficult for the coach to give you all the atention you may need.
2) underwater video footage of your stroke: If you can get underwater video footage of your stroke (and compare it with some of the more refined examples you will find on swimming videos), you will learn a lot by seeing how you do it vs. how more experienced swimmers do it.
3) fins: using fins for drills and other exercises will increase your speed, but if you really concentrate on doing the drills correctly while using fins, it can also help you develop a feel for the drill and a feel for the water. Try to use the fins with purpose. Don't just use them to be faster in practice.
In addition to those three things, the July/August issue of SWIMMER has a technique pictorial on freestyle featuring commentary from coach Mark Moore of Mission Viejo. If you are a registered member of USMS, or if you have an individual subscription to the magazine, you should receive the July/August issue during the first week of July.
Good Luck!
Bill
