I recently booked in for a video stroke analysis session with Patricia Baker at Swimwell (www.swimwell.com.au). Pat videoed me from all angles, including underwater, while I was swimming freestyle. And then we sat down and looked at the footage on her laptop and she gave me the bad news.
There’s no easy way to admit this: My freestyle stroke is appalling. Arms and hands crossing in front of my head rather than being out in line with my shoulders. Hands tilting inwards as they enter the water – and entering the water way too far in front of me. Elbows not high enough in the recovery position. Right forearm really flat as I pull through the water. It’s no wonder I’m still getting shoulder and neck pain when I train.
Happily it wasn’t all completely embarrassing. Pat said my leg and hip position in the water was OK. So it’s just my top half that’s crap.
Here’s the video:
Swimwell teaches the Total Immersion style of swimming developed by an American called Terry Laughlin (try Googling him or ‘total immersion’ if you’re interested – there’s a lot of information and videos out there). TI focuses on:
- reducing drag and increasing your stroke efficiency
- swimming in a way that puts less strain on your body (such as using the correct muscles through your upper arms, shoulders and torso as you pull through the water)
- driving the stroke from your hips
- getting your body balance and rhythm just right
I’m now trying to re-train my body but am finding it mentally exhausting – all that concentrating; I can’t just switch off and enjoy swimming at the moment. Still, I’m persevering with the drills Pat set out for me. In another month I’ll organise a follow-up video session and find out if I’ve made any progress. Look out for my ‘before and after’ video comparison.
Third bit from the right 
I’m wondering if I’ll ruin my camera when i put it underwater.
Seriously I have video analysis during my golf lessons. It is fantastic, and it really doesn’t take to much to be looking good. Then you have to apply it in the real situation – that’s the hard bit.
You haven’t had long-term technique training before, have you? So I imagine that you will only benefit from this – better late than never to correct your stroke. Thanks for the show, and good luck for this year’s progress.
I’ve been given many freestyle swimming tips over the past 20 years at my Masters swimming club. But techniques have changed in that time. What we were taught 20 years ago is now being proved to be less than ideal for problem shoulders etc. (esp. with our bodies being 20 years older). For me, changing technique can only be a good thing.
Fantastic, a swimming blog! I do like it..
I think you’re a little hard on yourself tho….I don’t think your stroke it appalling!
And brave you releasing the video…helpful to see for me tho’.
See you soon for some more mindful swimming!
XX
Thanks for your positive feedback, Ms C. I just want my stroke to look good, though I’d also like it to make me go faster. Let’s see what progress I make in 2013. HNY!