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
It helps to attend US swimming meets and focus on best swimmers to see how they swim. Most of them show what TI book try to describe on how to hang your head and catch the water. It is fascinating to compare those swimmers with the rest of the swimmers.
I do like light hand pressure on entry and to the catch. My hand enters aprox 16 to 20 inches infront of my head then I reach and extend. When I get to the actual catch position I apply much greater pressure on the water til I get to the finish. As far as head position, I find mine varies quite a bit during my swims. My legs never sink my butt is always high just at the surface.
DDL
Easiest way to position your head is simply "hang" it - i.e. release its weight to the water. It will find its most natural position. If you wish to check that position, visualize your head-spine line as a laser beam extending from the top of your head. Keep that laser beam pointed in the direction you wish to travel.
As for depth of hand or angle of arm, you don't have to reach particularly steep or deep after a Mail Slot entry. Aim to make your catch with the palm facing back, the wrist below your elbow and keeping the elbow as close to the surface as you can. You'll be able to maintain this "high traction" position better if you keep the hand/forearm pressure relatively light in the first moments of your stroke.
Good luck.
Do you actually think these US swimmers follow the TI book or what their coaches tell them. Is TI that much differrent then the way coaches teach their swimmers. Terry has done a good job of compiling stuff. There are several things I don't agree with but anything that gets people to swim better is good. There are lot's of things I do agree with Terry.
It helps to attend US swimming meets and focus on best swimmers to see how they swim. Most of them show what TI book try to describe on how to hang your head and catch the water. It is fascinating to compare those swimmers with the rest of the swimmers.
DDL
Easiest way to position your head is simply "hang" it - i.e. release its weight to the water. It will find its most natural position. If you wish to check that position, visualize your head-spine line as a laser beam extending from the top of your head. Keep that laser beam pointed in the direction you wish to travel.
As for depth of hand or angle of arm, you don't have to reach particularly steep or deep after a Mail Slot entry. Aim to make your catch with the palm facing back, the wrist below your elbow and keeping the elbow as close to the surface as you can. You'll be able to maintain this "high traction" position better if you keep the hand/forearm pressure relatively light in the first moments of your stroke.
Good luck.
Thank you so much. I'll definitely practise on these points. KaizenSwimmer, are you really Terry Laughlin? If so, I'm so glad to "meet" you. Before reading your book I had never done freestyle at all. I remember how glad I was the first time I front-crawled from one end of the pool to the other end. Tons of thanks and wish you a wonderful holiday season! :D:D:D
It's good to meet you too. I'm happy to have been able to contribute something to your enjoyment of swimming.
You've definitely contributed A LOT to my enjoying swimming. I'm swimming every day now and, like you said in your book, nothing prevents me from getting up early in the morning to go to the pool...
One question: when I swim freestyle my hips are often too low. I've found this is one reason I can't remain afloat well for the whole length. Whenever my hips *happen* to raise to the surface of the water swimming becomes "effortless". So I would really like to know how I can keep the hips close to surface and not to sink.
ddl
The quick response is release your head's weight until it's aligned with the spine, and make sure your hand is below your wrist and wrist below elbow from the time you enter until your catch. For more detail, I suggest you post that query on the TI Forum. You'll likely receive numerous helpful suggestions.
Thanks for the very useful tip. I also went to the TI forum and found some very helpful discussions there. Put everything together today and I'm getting better--less tired, so that's a good sign. Hopefully I'll improve a lot in the coming days :D Really appreciate!!
...One question: when I swim freestyle my hips are often too low. I've found this is one reason I can't remain afloat well for the whole length. Whenever my hips *happen* to raise to the surface of the water swimming becomes "effortless". So I would really like to know how I can keep the hips close to surface and not to sink.
a lot of this has to do with balance and buoyancy, which greatly affects body position in the water, whether you are moving or not.
fortunately these topics come up fairly often here... the last time i talked about it was at:
Flotation & Buoyancy... Streamlining & Balance (Re: lose Crossover Kick?)
a common corrective drill for this is to "swim downhill" (another common topic here). GeoChuck is "Mr. Swim Downhill", so you may want to check out some of his posts and links too.
...
