I only started swimming freestyle less than a year ago and I'm still struggling with quite a few issues:
1. When breathing to the left, my head head-spine alignment vanishes and it appears as if I'm trying to change direction while lifting my head; I have no clue why I might be doing that.
2. I over-rotate when breathing.
3. Even with a slow hand entry, there's a lot of splashing going on.
In the answers to a few other posts I read that videos help, so I've put a few online:
Back/front view:
www.youtube.com/watch
Right side view:
www.youtube.com/watch
Left side view:
www.youtube.com/watch
In general, breathing in freestyle is problematic for me. When I swim relaxed enough to breathe with ease, my form totally degenerates and I'm wiggling through the water, almost flipping on my back when breathing. If I focus on a certain aspect of my stroke, for example, keeping my chin close to the shoulder or reaching out when rotating to air, or synchronizing my kick with my stroke, I find that I build up so much oxygen debt that I cannot swim more than two lengths in a 50 m pool without pausing.
I can only guess why--I probably forget to breathe out with sufficient force because I'm busy with other things and when I realize that I need more air than I'm currently getting, anxiety kicks in and everything falls apart.
I'll happily accept any comments on my videos or general advice that might help me not drown and maybe even improve my stroke. :)
Thank you!
Parents
Former Member
The head-up freestyle with fins (dolphin kick) helps you anchor your head in one position as your body moves. (breath forward) This at least can reduce the head motion you're experiencing, and train you to do something different. (Then you'll have something to compare to.) This drill also has other benefits, it is very good for stroke timing/rhythm, and it will really help your core stabilizers, (since you don't like gym work) I'd try this 2-3 times per week until you've noticed some adaptation. Try another video during the drill, let's see if you're doing it right.
I can see how that makes sense. Thank you very much!
I didn't own fins, so I got myself a pair with a short blade. My first challenge will be to learn the dolphin kick, or something that remotely resembles it.
I'll upload a video once I think I'm doing something that comes close to what you described. :)
Do you ever get to Belgium, I have a friend that is going to swim the English channel in Early Sept. He travels to Germany often and I know that he would be happy to help you with your swimming stroke. He is a student of mine and we worked on his stroke and he has become very proficient in his swimming. He has been helping a swimmer who lived in Germany who since has moved to S Africa. She is starting to swim very well recently.
I have to admit I've never been to Belgium although it's practically around the corner.
That is a very kind offer and I would very much like to meet your student whenver he's anywhere near. Thanks a lot!
The head-up freestyle with fins (dolphin kick) helps you anchor your head in one position as your body moves. (breath forward) This at least can reduce the head motion you're experiencing, and train you to do something different. (Then you'll have something to compare to.) This drill also has other benefits, it is very good for stroke timing/rhythm, and it will really help your core stabilizers, (since you don't like gym work) I'd try this 2-3 times per week until you've noticed some adaptation. Try another video during the drill, let's see if you're doing it right.
I can see how that makes sense. Thank you very much!
I didn't own fins, so I got myself a pair with a short blade. My first challenge will be to learn the dolphin kick, or something that remotely resembles it.
I'll upload a video once I think I'm doing something that comes close to what you described. :)
Do you ever get to Belgium, I have a friend that is going to swim the English channel in Early Sept. He travels to Germany often and I know that he would be happy to help you with your swimming stroke. He is a student of mine and we worked on his stroke and he has become very proficient in his swimming. He has been helping a swimmer who lived in Germany who since has moved to S Africa. She is starting to swim very well recently.
I have to admit I've never been to Belgium although it's practically around the corner.
That is a very kind offer and I would very much like to meet your student whenver he's anywhere near. Thanks a lot!
