Critique my stroke (video posted)

Hmmmm... You're a good swimmer. You know, I never thought I'd end up giving free technical analysis over the computer, but I have a hard time ignoring a swimmer who wants help. One of the reasons I didn't coach was because of the kids who didn't want to be there, they have very little respect, so why waste my time, right? This is different, the people that post video here really want to improve, and so I'm more motivated to share what I've learned. I watched your video a few times, and there are some elements I like... but, what would help you best to improve? The main area seems to be your core stability. Your timing and "feel" seems to be acceptable, but you're body is "slipping" because your core isn't maintaining the position. This might not be something you can improve by thinking about it... I have posted some core exercises on the "Fun and Fast" thread in the work-out section, or just click the link in my signature. Basically, you need to strengthen your core, and learn to use your "body line" to help with forward propulsion. Any motion outside of that line, up, down, right left, is wasted energy. The most effective way to improve core stability is through dryland exercises. However, there are some water drills that can help... Try swimming 6x50 with fins on 2:00, head up freestyle with dolphin kick, and try and keep the head looking straight forward through the whole 50 and follow that with a (relatively) straight body line(This is not easy) Do this 3xweek for 3-4 months, and then take some more video. Good luck!

Hmmmm... You're a good swimmer. You know, I never thought I'd end up giving free technical analysis over the computer, but I have a hard time ignoring a swimmer who wants help. One of the reasons I didn't coach was because of the kids who didn't want to be there, they have very little respect, so why waste my time, right? This is different, the people that post video here really want to improve, and so I'm more motivated to share what I've learned. I watched your video a few times, and there are some elements I like... but, what would help you best to improve? The main area seems to be your core stability. Your timing and "feel" seems to be acceptable, but you're body is "slipping" because your core isn't maintaining the position. This might not be something you can improve by thinking about it... I have posted some core exercises on the "Fun and Fast" thread in the work-out section, or just click the link in my signature. Basically, you need to strengthen your core, and learn to use your "body line" to help with forward propulsion. Any motion outside of that line, up, down, right left, is wasted energy. The most effective way to improve core stability is through dryland exercises. However, there are some water drills that can help... Try swimming 6x50 with fins on 2:00, head up freestyle with dolphin kick, and try and keep the head looking straight forward through the whole 50 and follow that with a (relatively) straight body line(This is not easy) Do this 3xweek for 3-4 months, and then take some more video. Good luck!