Body Alignment

[Selkie]

My pull buoy arrived yesterday so I gave it a test run today. First thing I noticed is that my body pulls to the right (my dominant side). It felt like my legs were swinging to the right, particularly when I took a breath. I was also not keeping a straight line as I swam down the lane. Keep in mind that I have NOT mastered bilateral breathing, so I breathe on my right side. The good news is that I breathe every 4 strokes.

My body alignment has always been a bit messed up due to a slight case of scoliosis and a broken clavicle. I'm definitely stronger on my right side. I was very mindful of trying to align myself in the water, to no avail. I was physically tired today after a week plus of longer swims, so that might have played a factor.

Have to admit that the buoy was freaking me out a little because my lower end was so much higher in the water. Any tips on using the buoy --- placement--closer to knees or bum; which end goes on top (the wider part of the figure eight or the thinner part); any general tips? I tried slowing my stroke but I felt a little out of control. I was hauling azz without trying. lol.

If anyone has tips on improving in water alignment, I'd appreciate them (dry land exercises included!!).