FREESTYLE SWIMMING: SECRET TIPS TO FIX MISTAKES

Summary

This video provides an in-depth guide to mastering breathing techniques in freestyle swimming. It highlights key points such as the importance of correct head position, timing, and body alignment to reduce resistance and increase efficiency. Common breathing mistakes are addressed, and several drills are recommended to improve technique, including the Catch-up drill, Sculling, and One-arm freestyle. The video also emphasizes the role of personalized training plans, with a suggestion to use the SwimUp app for tailored coaching. With a focus on breathing timing, body positioning, and fluid movement, this guide aims to help swimmers achieve long-distance success with ease.

Takeaways

• 😀 In freestyle swimming, proper breathing timing is crucial for efficiency; inhale quickly and deeply when your arm reaches your leg, and ensure your head returns to neutral before the hand enters the water.
• 😀 Avoid lifting your head out of the water while inhaling. Instead, turn your head to the side, keeping part of your face underwater for a smoother breathing process.
• 😀 Practice breathing techniques out of the pool by turning your head to the side and inhaling quickly, then returning your head to a neutral position.
• 😀 Body position is key: keeping your head, pelvis, and legs in the correct alignment ensures better speed and less water resistance, making swimming easier.
• 😀 Correct arm position is vital for support and direction in the water. Your shoulder should be higher than your elbow, and your hand should be lower than your elbow to maintain proper body position and streamline.
• 😀 Efficient drills like the Catch-up drill and counting strokes help improve technique, while swimming with paddles can build arm strength and stamina for triathlon athletes.
• 😀 A personalized training plan is essential for maximizing progress in swimming. Using tools like the SwimUp app can help with creating a plan that suits individual needs.
• 😀 To prevent lifting the head during breathing, practice proper head positioning and maintain one eye and part of the face in the water when turning your head.
• 😀 Keep your stomach muscles slightly tense during swimming to maintain a streamlined body position and reduce water resistance, which helps you glide through the water.
• 😀 Drills like kicking on your side and sculling help correct arm positions and improve your ability to push water effectively during each stroke.

Q & A

What is the most important aspect of breathing in freestyle swimming?

The most important aspect is timing your breath correctly. You must inhale as soon as your arm reaches your leg, ensuring your head returns to a neutral position before the next arm stroke enters the water.

Why should you avoid lifting your head out of the water when breathing?

Lifting your head causes extra resistance and disrupts your body position. It makes swimming harder due to the added movement and can lead to increased drag, slowing you down.

What common mistake do swimmers make when learning without a coach?

A common mistake is lifting the head out of the water to inhale. This strains the breathing process and negatively impacts the swimmer's technique and speed.

How can practicing breathing drills improve your swimming technique?

Breathing drills help you develop proper timing, improve body alignment, and prevent mistakes like lifting your head, leading to smoother and more efficient strokes.

What role does body position play in freestyle swimming?

Body position is critical because it affects water resistance. A proper body position helps you glide through the water with minimal drag, making swimming easier and faster.

How does incorrect body positioning impact your swimming?

Incorrect body positioning, such as lifting your head or sinking your pelvis, increases water resistance, reduces speed, and makes swimming more tiring.

What is the significance of keeping your stomach muscles engaged during swimming?

Engaging your stomach muscles helps maintain proper body alignment and reduces water resistance, making swimming more efficient and easier to maintain high speed.

What is the purpose of the 'Catch-up' drill?

The 'Catch-up' drill is used to improve freestyle technique by helping you feel how to catch the water and perform a proper arm stroke. It also helps improve kicking technique.

How can counting strokes improve your swimming technique?

Counting strokes helps you focus on each individual stroke, ensuring better control and timing, which automatically enhances overall technique and efficiency.

How does using paddles benefit triathlon swimmers?

Using paddles helps triathlon swimmers build arm strength and stamina, which are essential for swimming efficiently and conserving energy for the cycling and running segments.

What are the key features of the SwimUp app for swimmers?

The SwimUp app offers personalized training plans, various training modes (Wellness, Technique, Masters, Triathlon), performance analytics, and integration with wearable tech like the Apple Watch for real-time feedback.