Awhile back I had tried to record myself swimming freestlye and ask around the net for commentary, but it was with a low-quality camera and only above-water footage. Not getting too much feedback at that time, I decided to buy a underwater HD camera and try to use that as a reference and improve my freestyle technique. Over about 40 days I have recorded ~16 sessions, and tried to gradually improve things. Here is what I have improved:
- No longer crossing over arms in middle (at least most of the time)
- Entry occurs when arms are more stretched forward, before my elbow was bent ~90 degrees for some entries
- Left pull is a bit more consistent, but still not a clean S curve like right arm (yes I'm right-handed)
- kick is a bit tighter and more controlled (though this probably still needs to be made even smaller, with less knee kick)
- neck angle when breathing is less extreme, before I was turning upwards much more than necessary
I still look straight down at the bottom when swimming much of the time, partially because if I look forward with a 45-degree angle I can't really see much anyway because my goggles get in the way, although I know doing this will make my breathing more natural, and possibly improve my posture overall.
I have been doing alot of catch-up with a pull bouy and that seems to have helped me control my upper body more. Also been doing alot of stretches to enable my foot to stretch to a greater degree, and doing a few laps with zoomers to help improve my overall kick form.
Anyway, the result of my recent training can be seen in the following video, where I edited together a few sessions together, and you can see my technique from a few different angles, both above and underwater.
YouTube- Jeff's Freestyle Technique 7/5/2010
I was concerned about doing too much endurance training with 'bad' form,but I think I am nearly ready to start doing less form work and a little more endurance training. However before that I really would like to get some critique from some masters swimming forum members.
If I were to point out my #1 problem at present, it is a lack of 'balance' in the water, though I am not sure exactly what that means or how to work on it. When I see videos of pro swimmers like Michael Phelps I am amazed by how their arms seem 'anchored' in front, whereas I have to struggle to even keep them straight. It takes a conscious effort to not cross over the middle, and even then I can't seem to keep my arms 'anchored' in front.
I do most of my training in a housing-development pool with no swimming friends, so any commentary would be very helpful.
Thanks very much!
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Former Member
It looks as though there are certain swimmers under certain conditions that will avoid injury amd swim better without a locked elbow, so this is not for everyone and maybe even just a few. This excerpt is from This is also the conclusion to which I came over the years, not only be observing several proponents of this technique, but by listening to them describing me how they indeed lock the elbow. Because some really 'think' this way on purpose. When mastered, it may reveal a magical solution for those suffering from recurring shoulder injuries. It's a technically easily achievable technique that can seriously limit shoulder internal rotation without loosing too much efficiency.
I know that this technique is very popular among triathletes, especially those using a long sleeves wetsuit.
I also agree with you that it is not *the only* way Free Style should be swam. Nevertheless, it is indeed *one valid* way.
It looks as though there are certain swimmers under certain conditions that will avoid injury amd swim better without a locked elbow, so this is not for everyone and maybe even just a few. This excerpt is from This is also the conclusion to which I came over the years, not only be observing several proponents of this technique, but by listening to them describing me how they indeed lock the elbow. Because some really 'think' this way on purpose. When mastered, it may reveal a magical solution for those suffering from recurring shoulder injuries. It's a technically easily achievable technique that can seriously limit shoulder internal rotation without loosing too much efficiency.
I know that this technique is very popular among triathletes, especially those using a long sleeves wetsuit.
I also agree with you that it is not *the only* way Free Style should be swam. Nevertheless, it is indeed *one valid* way.