swimtester said:Hello everyone.
I've been re-learning swimming technique using TotalImmersion (TI)
products. I feel like the process has really improved my technique and
I'm now mainly focusing on developing a more consistent rhythm, one
that would be without any gliding phases.
However, I realize there must be many other paradigms in swimming,
which I am simply not aware of. My logic leads me to believe that
although TI has helped me considerably, this alone does not justify
overlooking other options. Unfortunately, I don't even know what to
look for.
Any help will be much appreciated, especially if it's in the form of
links.
There's a vast ocean of knowledge lying undiscovered before you. Or
something like that. I recommend downloading video of elite swimmers
and studying what they do. I have 169 video clips stored on my
computer. You might start with the one below:
Hackett-Thorpe-catch-up-style.mpeg
You can find it at the following website.
http://www.swim.ee/videos/freestyle/free.html
Coming as you are from the TI paradigm, you may see a lot about what
you have been practicing in the way Grant Hackett swims. The last few
strokes at the end of the clip, when Hackett is using his broken kick
rhythm are particularly useful.
As you mentioned, you're trying to get faster by gliding less.
Exactly. You may notice that as Hackett lays on his right side, he has
a long push back with his left arm to keep his speed going. But once
his left arm stops pushing water, he immediately starts his stroke with
his right hand. This leads to the fundamental "loping" rhythm of most
elite males which Larry identified years ago. Namely, that the timing
of each arm is not the same - more time is spent while breathing than
not breathing. This leads to "catch-up" stroke on one side in which
both hands are out front of the head on one side, but not the other.
If you're interested in seeing that timing better, then I recommend the
freestyle video of Michael Phelps at the following site:
http://swimfastest.net/videos/barcelona2003/barcelona.html
The video is shot from below and is rather brilliant. Freeze the video
when his right hand pierces the water and you will see his left hand at
catch - BOTH hands well out in front of his head. On the other side,
no such thing happens. His right hand moves back during the pull as
his left hand recovers - they are connected, like kayak paddles, moving
forward and backward together.
Give it time and you will start to feel the same rhythm in your own
swimming if you choose to swim that way.
Eric
PS I can point you to some videos of elite female swimmers if you find
this useful.
