Hi everyone! I wanted to pass along some of my experiences/observations of those new swimmers using T.I. I am working with a group of triathletes who had no coaching whatsoever and purchased this swim book to try to improve their swimming.
I know it can be difficult to try to learn from a book as interpretation is different for everyone. Here are two common problems I'm finding that I think should (if at all possible) be addressed by the author/TI swim instructors for further clarification.
1. Mail Slot Entry
All of the swimmers' hand/arm entry is actually an inverted "V". The hand/forearm enter the water as a downward spear right by their ear. There is no catch whatsoever because the stroke is so short. The hand goes directly downward from the ear to the pool bottom; the stroke is of no use this way because there is no catch whatsoever.
2. Low in the water
They are all too low in the water. Their heads and shoulders are completely underwater so they have to roll too much and too far to get a breath of air. This is causing "fishtailing" and a tremendous amount of body movement. I understand "chest pressing" in the water, but they have taken it too far.
I have always firmly believed in each person's stroke being "their own", but there are some components that are necessary to swim well. I'm helping them to make some of these corrections, especially regarding the mail slot entry; they are "spearing" downward which I don't believe was the point. Most all of the triathletes swim a 50 meter free in around 2 minutes. Last Sunday with some changes (they are really working on their swimming), 4 of them were swimming the 50 meter free in around 45 to 50 seconds which is a huge improvement. They said it feels better now, and they are traveling faster with less body movement and with ease.
I know the TI book has helped many to join the world of swimming, but this indicates that without coaching, a book can be misinterpreted. A picture is worth a thousand words. One last point: ALL of them were holding their breath which is the kiss of death. I never bought this book so I cannot attest to what was explained in verse or graphics.
Donna
Parents
Former Member
I may have seen a bigger chop in some of my races. The ones were the boats with us cracked from stem to stern in a ten or 15 foot chop.
Big waves are not a problem it is that choppy water that gives you trouble
And this is where swimming TI or anyone with a longer stroke could give one big problems when dealing with chop! The best way to deal with chop is to shorten and tighten up the stroke and have a higher turnover. The long gliding stroke like Terry was swimming in the slow-swim video doesn't fair quite as well in big chop! But OW distance swimmers have to deal with all kinds of elements and make adjustments, sometimes constantly.
I actually like swimming in big chop; I think I am more efficient at this kind of stroke AND it gets me out of my swim comfort zone and makes me extremely aware of what I have to do to confront it. Plus, great workout! I just don't want to have to do it for 20 miles!
I may have seen a bigger chop in some of my races. The ones were the boats with us cracked from stem to stern in a ten or 15 foot chop.
Big waves are not a problem it is that choppy water that gives you trouble
And this is where swimming TI or anyone with a longer stroke could give one big problems when dealing with chop! The best way to deal with chop is to shorten and tighten up the stroke and have a higher turnover. The long gliding stroke like Terry was swimming in the slow-swim video doesn't fair quite as well in big chop! But OW distance swimmers have to deal with all kinds of elements and make adjustments, sometimes constantly.
I actually like swimming in big chop; I think I am more efficient at this kind of stroke AND it gets me out of my swim comfort zone and makes me extremely aware of what I have to do to confront it. Plus, great workout! I just don't want to have to do it for 20 miles!
