improving techniques
Video Underwater – GoPro Hero 2
One of the best ways to improve in any sport is to watch yourself on video. The ability to see yourself objectively is the most basic, true feedback. Add a little coaching, and you have a great combination for improvement. Underwater video analysis of swimmers is nothing new, but until recently, the equipment was costly … Continue reading
Pictures and Diagrams may be wrong
On this site, there are reviews of many good (and some not so good) books that focus on improving technique. The most common method is to use photos and drawings showing sequences of “correct” techniques. But some of these are not that clear, and others may be just plain wrong (link to Wrong or just … Continue reading
Strokes per Length – Baseline
As your skills improve and you swim more efficiently, the number of strokes you need to cover a length will decrease. At some point, you will reach an optimum that gives you faster times with fewer strokes. But what is a good starting point or baseline? A stroke is the distance you pull with one … Continue reading
What is the “speed limit” for swimming?
Since the early 1900s, when sports organizations began to methodically keep records of absolute performance, such as times for the 100 yd. dash, experts have speculated on what the ultimate limits of performance are. In the 1930s and 1940s, four minutes was regarded as the ultimate limit for the mile run. Many of these “limits” … Continue reading
Swimming with your Brain
Swimming is a sport where you don’t need super fast reflexes or big muscles. The biggest improvements typically occur with stroke technique refinements. When you practice, hopefully you spend some of the time trying to improve your stroke technique, but there are so many things to think about! In the “olden days”, swim teachers would … Continue reading