I've been swimming now for about 4 months after taking nearly 20 years' hiatus. Needless to say, I'm not really not trying for any speed records but I'm frustrated that I'm not getting any faster. Ironically enough, I'm usually the fastest swimmer in the pool, even compared to other 20 somethings. Then again, there really isn't much competition at my 24hr fitness.
I've been told by others that my form looks pretty good. I can swim 25m in about 15 easy strokes. But I can't seem to get my arms to move any faster in the water. If I try to increase my arm speed, I end up compromising my extension, using more energy and going about the same overall speed.
Since I've been focused on distance, I've been using a 2-beat kick. I'd like to employ a 6-beat kick, but somehow can't get the timing down. When I try for a 6-beat, I usually end up fluttering around like a wounded minnow.
I swim about 5 times a week, mixing up distance, speed drills and kick drills. I'm 33 years old, decent cardio, height 5'7".
So I'm open for opinions. Should I focus on increasing arm speed? Work on a 6-beat kick? Increase strength? All of the above?
Thanks
At what point should we "press the T", or lean forward the chest and head, or should the position be held continuosly throughout? Also, is this position employed during all out sprints?
Thank you
The feeling of pressing should be continuous through the stroke cycle. I tell swimmers to put the pressure on the top of the lungs as you roll through the stroke. Some like to visualize the pressure moving from chest to the down armpit, back to the chest and on to the other armpit.
Staying aware of this concept will help it become a habit. Swimmers who are adept at actively streamlining while swimming make it look easy, the rest of us have to think about it until it's natural.
Sprinting is a different game, with several routes to success. It's mostly about motors, and less about vessel shaping. As the distance increases the shape of your boat matters more. Still important to be as efficient as possible, but when one swims faster the water causes your body alignment to adapt to it.
Mike Bottom has some interesting takes on what's important for sprinting, he posits three distinct stroke styles. he's got a DVD out through the race Club I think.
At what point should we "press the T", or lean forward the chest and head, or should the position be held continuosly throughout? Also, is this position employed during all out sprints?
Thank you
The feeling of pressing should be continuous through the stroke cycle. I tell swimmers to put the pressure on the top of the lungs as you roll through the stroke. Some like to visualize the pressure moving from chest to the down armpit, back to the chest and on to the other armpit.
Staying aware of this concept will help it become a habit. Swimmers who are adept at actively streamlining while swimming make it look easy, the rest of us have to think about it until it's natural.
Sprinting is a different game, with several routes to success. It's mostly about motors, and less about vessel shaping. As the distance increases the shape of your boat matters more. Still important to be as efficient as possible, but when one swims faster the water causes your body alignment to adapt to it.
Mike Bottom has some interesting takes on what's important for sprinting, he posits three distinct stroke styles. he's got a DVD out through the race Club I think.
