What did you struggle with when you started swimming?
Former Member
Basically, what did you struggle with when you started swimming and how old were you? I kind of want to see if others have had the same troubles as I.
I just started swimming recreational this year. I am 20 and started due to my knees starting to bother me more by running, which I usually do.
There are a few things I can't seem to get the hang of:
1.) I can't last very long in freestyle. I can only do 75 at most before I have to stop. I think this is due to my breathing pattern.
2.) My kick is pretty weak, when I use a kick board I don't go fast at all. Due to being a runner before I guess this is a common problem.
3.) I'm trying to get the hang of flip turns but my push off is the problem. I'm trying to push off with my head faced up but I always seem to suck in some water for some reason and have to re-surface fast for air.
4.) I'm also having a hard time with the fast dolphin kick that most people use when coming out of a flip turn.
I was just looking for ways/drills to improve in these areas. I just want to be able to swim at length instead of stopping constantly.
Feel free to share. Also, any help would be greatly appreciated:afraid:
When I see newer swimmers, I think the biggest concept to get is streamline. When torsos bend and kicks go to deep, too much effort is used. This was probably true when I started, I just don't remember.
BTW, I wouldn't worry about the dolphins of the wall if you are only swimming 75 at a time at the moment. I swim 5K at a time and can't do them very well despite being a flyer in my younger days.
Also, you don't have to push off the wall on your back following flip turns. It's just a place to start as you learn. Everyone's turns are unique including as to what angle they push off. By the time I push off, I'm on my side.
When I see newer swimmers, I think the biggest concept to get is streamline. When torsos bend and kicks go to deep, too much effort is used. This was probably true when I started, I just don't remember.
BTW, I wouldn't worry about the dolphins of the wall if you are only swimming 75 at a time at the moment. I swim 5K at a time and can't do them very well despite being a flyer in my younger days.
Also, you don't have to push off the wall on your back following flip turns. It's just a place to start as you learn. Everyone's turns are unique including as to what angle they push off. By the time I push off, I'm on my side.
