I'm used to explaining things in a pool setting, where demonstration is 90% of the explanation, so
we're having a lot of misunderstandings. However, I think I can make it more clear this way.
Let's say that there are three elements to swimming. To some extent, these are sort of like blocks
to a pyramid, and they build on each other. It's overly simplistic, yes, but it should be good for
the purposes here.
The first part is simple stroke mechanics. This would be how you move your arms, where you enter the
water, etc. This is the foundation; everyone needs to be able to do this adequately in order to do
anything else. To develop this, much of what you can work on are classic stroke drills, like "Tarzan
swimming (head above water), fingertip drags, etc. Fortunately, you don't need a ton of skill here
(I don't - I know I have several big flaws!), and it's only a small part of the whole picture. Most
tri swimmers have this down to at least a passable level. They can use some refinement, but their
success is not dependent on it.
The second part is efficiency - taking fewer strokes. Holding the water. Most of you are calling
this stroke skill, but it's really not "skill". One reason that I differentiate this from mechanics
is that you develop this a different way. You can do fingertip drags all day long, but it's not
really going to increase efficiency. Another big differentiation is that this ties directly into
strength and endurance. Why do I say this? Because the fewer strokes you take, the more work you do,
the more you increase RESISTANCE. It requires more strength per stroke, pure and simple. It requires
muscle endurance to maintain the form. You train for efficiency differently. Stroke counting is
vital, and a set of hand paddles are also very useful. Most of this is done as you do a "normal"
distance workout. You need the distance to help increase the muscle strength and endurance, just
like you do with any other leg. Most people don't realize how weak some of the swim-specific muscles
are, and if they HAVE done workouts for them, it's for POWER - a completely different animal. Bulk
is of little help, as you don't use them a few times in a race, but hundreds or THOUSANDS. Without
adequate strength, we're not going to be able to hold the water very well. The stronger you are, the
more efficient you are able to become. More importantly, the longer you will be able to MAINTAIN an
efficient form. Many people can look good for a short distance, but as the strength fades, so does
the form and they start slipping water. Again, this is not about power, but endurance strength. Low
weight, high rep weight training is another useful tool. Distance swimming - which at it's simplest
is a form of the above weight training - is critical for a leg of any reasonable distance. In my
humble opinion, based upon my years of experience, this is the most critical area for almost
everyone, and by far makes up the largest part of the pyramid.
Lastly is turnover speed. This is an important element, but not one I'd emphasize much until
efficiency improves to certain level (at which point it becomes more important). The last thing you
want to do is have a fast turnover while slipping water! Most people will do better taking long,
strong, SLOW strokes than fast, short ones.
OK, is that any more clear? Efficiency really isn't skill. It's heavily dependent on strength and
endurance - you will NOT be efficient without those - and a good part experience. You learn a lot by
doing, what works best for your particular mechanics.
Now, that said, once again fire away! (At least this time I think we will be at least in the same
chapter, if not on the same page)