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TI Swimming question
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 2009-09-17 6:38 AM |
Regular  100 |  Subject: TI Swimming questionFor anyone familiar with Total Immersion, I just got Freestyle made easy. I'm trying to start from the beginning and work my way through the different lessons/drills.I'm having a really hard time on the very first lesson. I can float on my back, and I feel fairly balanced in the water--my legs are high enough that I feel the tops of my thighs coming up slightly out of the water as I kick, but as soon as I try turning my body to the side for the sweet spot part of it, the lower half of my body drops and I'm out of the water shoulder to elbow, but elbow to knuckle, I'm underwater.Plus in that position, it's hard to keep my face above water to breathe, so I end up with water in my nose and sputtering around and freaking out.I can't figure out how to correct this. I had the same problem before I got the TI book when I would try simple side kicking drills-they're nearly impossible even though they seem like they should be so simple.Any tips? |
| 2009-09-17 6:50 AM in reply to: #2411020 |
 Modesto, California | Subject: RE: TI Swimming question Use fins until you are more comfortable and stronger, they will assist you in getting propulsion so that you are not sinking. |
| 2009-09-17 10:42 AM in reply to: #2411020 |
Elite 5316 Alturas, California | Subject: RE: TI Swimming question I did the 2 day workshop and they had video feedback as well as in the water feedback. It helped get through the drills. Although I should probably do more drilling. It all comes down to where your head is more or less. And yes fins can help if you have a weak kick such as I. The main thing with transitioning from back to side is to rotate slowly. It helps to have an arm out front to help balence if you are having a hard time holding the position with both hands in your pockets. |
| 2009-09-17 10:56 AM in reply to: #2411020 |
Expert 1116 Thornton, CO | Subject: RE: TI Swimming question I had the same issue at first. I know it says to master each before moving on... but that first drill was definitely the hard the first time. So I moved on to the next drills once it felt "right" to me when I had the extra propulsion from pushing off the way. I revisit the drills every time I swim now and it gets much easier over time. If you happen to be with someone else, ask them to walk backwards in front of you (near your head) and lightly drag you as they go. It will also give you the forward momentum you need to stay afloat. I've done this for friends who were just learning TI, they only lightly have to hold/touch you near your shoulders or head, they don't actually have to grab you with any real force. |
| 2009-09-17 11:58 AM in reply to: #2411020 |
Master 2277  Lake Norman, NC | Subject: RE: TI Swimming question Your lower body goes down when your upper body goes up and you're doing that because you're subconsciously trying to keep your mouth out of the water to breathe. You have to think long and stiff as a board. A 2x4 will float in the water horizontal and so can you. At first, hold your breath and practice the drill. If you sink, you sink. The key is not length of time and breathing, but body position. It's better to maintain a long, horizontal side-balance drill under water for 25 seconds holding your breath than it is to not get it right at all. You'll find that your body will float to the top and with a slow, gentle, turn of just your head, you can turn your head up to breathe - not stretch your neck to extend your head up. This former post of mine might help: http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=117554&start=1 Good luck! |
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