It is important to develop good timing, technique and rhythm in butterfly over shorter distances before attempting any longer swims. BODY POSITION The body is never in a perfectly streamlined position as the stroke relies on continuous undulation of the body to effect the propulsive movements ARM ACTION The first movement of the hands is […]
Archive | Swimmers
Breaststroke Technique
HOW IS BREASTSTROKE DIFFERENT? Breaststroke has little relationship to the other strokes. In breaststroke, the limbs work simultaneously and symmetrically (not alternately) and there is no above water recovery of the arms BODY POSITION When the arms and legs are fully extended, the body is in a streamlined position ARM ACTION The arm movement is […]
Backstroke Technique
While backstroke maintains the body in a streamlined position, with the limbs able to apply constant propulsive forces due to the arms alternating action and the continuous flutter action of the legs, it is not as fast or efficient as freestyle. Backstroke is swum with arms out to the side of the body, meaning a […]
Freestyle Breathing Swimming Tips
Freestyle is the first stroke that most children learn and is the fastest of the four competitive strokes. Listed below are a number of tips on how to improve your breathing in freestyle. Should I breathe on the first stroke? After streamlining off the wall on a start or turn, begin your first freestyle stroke […]
Freestyle Technique
The freestyle stroke is the fastest, most efficient stroke, because it maintains the body in a streamlined position with the limbs able to apply constant propulsive forces due to the arms alternating action and the continuous flutter action of the legs. BODY POSITION A streamlined body position is required with arms extended above the head. […]
Becoming an Elite Swimmer or an Elite Coach
At the 2008 Australian Swim Coaches Conference, the keynote guest speaker was elite swimming coach Bill Sweetenham. Most recently, Bill has been the head coach of Great Britain swimming. While Bill talked about many aspects, the following points really hit home in regards to elite coaching and swimming. Elite athletes give 100% effort, 95% of […]
Swimming at the Olympics – What you can learn by watching it on television!
With the Olympics on our doorstep, there are many ways swimmers can use the Games to improve their own swimming. Swimming is one of the major sports at the Olympics and the television coverage will provide all swimmers, with the opportunity to watch and analyse the techniques used by the best swimmers in the world. […]
Beijing Olympics Swimming – What did you learn?
With the Olympics over for another 4 years it is time to take stock and have a close look at some of the key messages from the swimming events at the Beijing Olympics. Did you watch their starts and turns? There is no doubt that Michael Phelps skills won him at least two of his […]