Freestyle Question/Breathing

[Selkie]

Thanks everyone. I'll take your advice to heart the next time I get to the pool.

Right now, my goal is getting comfortable and being able to make it across the pool consistently. I might try your style, Veronica, and go from there. One book on swimming recommends breathing when you see your opposite hand enter the water. I'll see if that helps too because I suspect I'm turning to breath too soon. I'm also watching others do freestyle and watching the training/technique videos on UTube.

I wonder if doing drills would help (Popov drill or some of the ones Urlea posted of her trainer)?

Have to admit, I'm getting strong at breakstoke and am building up some decent swimming fitness. Amazing how a new sport makes you feel out of shape, even if you're extremely fit & strong! It's pretty humbling....

[fidlfreek]

You might try the Total Immersion DVD. Team Estrogen apparently doesn't have them at the moment but they're about $25 on Amazon. I used to have the exact same problem as you and this video has taught me *over the course of patient work over 2+ months* great efficiency, balance, and timing. I am now comfortably swimming for longer than I ever thought possible. The DVD has a set of drills that you master one by one. By the time you're done with all the drills you've learned all about body roll, efficient kicking, calm breathing, and an easy recovery. The DVD even addresses issues of navigation and chop - important points for us triathletes...You just have to be patient and practice exactly as the DVD teaches you...

[Selkie]

Fidl - Thanks so much for the tip on TI. A few days ago, I actually looked at their website and thought about taking one of their classes (there's a personal trainer in DC who offers them). Wasn't sure about the videos, but based on your recommendation, I'm going to order one or two (the breathing one and possibly, the freestyle one). I'm also going to get the book.

[fidlfreek]

Great!! I found that DVD was totally all I needed. I too had considered a TI clinic but thought I'd try it DIY first and save the $300.

So I just watched each individual drill over and over and then took notes to take to the pool with me. If you write whatever drills you need for the day on a piece of computer paper you can then use water to "paste" it on your kickboard.

Just be patient and master one drill at a time and you'll be amazed!

[Selkie]

The DVDs have been shipped!!

By the way, the book is great. I just started into the chapter on drills and am going to try some of this out tomorrow, when I go to the pool.

It seems like a very smart way to swim.

[alpinerabbit]

Drills are the only way to go... that's what I meant when i said technique is the key... good luck!