Need swim Guru help on uphill swimming

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2011-02-24 4:21 PM

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Elite
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Subject: Need swim Guru help on uphill swimming

Thanks for checking out my post.....I have improved drastatically with my stroke  over the months(not perfect)but I cant pay someone to constantly check me out in the water, but I think I am still swimming uphill a little, and feel if I can tweek that a little I will improve even more.....dont get me wrong I am not dragging my legs drastically but I know it could be better.

Other than keeping my head down, is there anything else I should be concentrating on during my stroke to get my legs more parallel to the water?  such as hip position/chest etc....or which drills focusses on that...i realize unless you see me swim you cannot be specific, but even the usual drills that are prescribed to fix this would be great.

thanks

slightly angled swimmer

2011-02-24 5:58 PM
in reply to: #3371285

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Subject: RE: Need swim Guru help on uphill swimming
One thing a coach I had told us to do to help engage our core was to pretend we were trying to keep a loonie (you can think quarter) between our cheeks while pressing your chest down. Keeping your core engaged will help some to keep the legs/hips up.
2011-02-24 7:11 PM
in reply to: #3371285

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Master
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Subject: RE: Need swim Guru help on uphill swimming

I agree that core strength is important. However, I think you'll get the best result by continuing to work on getting your head down. I have always rebelled against pool toys, but I recently bought a snorkel to help me to keep my head down as I prepare to step up to marathon swimming. I highly recommend it.

2011-02-24 7:21 PM
in reply to: #3371285

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Master
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Subject: RE: Need swim Guru help on uphill swimming

There are some great You Tube videos. This one is perfect for you. In addition to Natalie's great tips, look closely at how deep she has her head and how she rolls her head to breathe.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYTsSZsQJPc



Edited by E=H2O 2011-02-24 7:21 PM
2011-02-24 8:34 PM
in reply to: #3371285

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Elite
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Subject: RE: Need swim Guru help on uphill swimming
Thanks for video and I'll grab that quArter lol. But seriously I got the point and I will try it thanks
2011-02-24 9:31 PM
in reply to: #3371285

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Subject: RE: Need swim Guru help on uphill swimming
I'm working on the same thing.  I did the "chest press" drill tonight in my swim.

Quoting without permission from Triathlete Magazine's Essential Week-By-Week Training Guide by Matt Fitzgerald:  "Swim facedown with your arms at your sides and propel yourself by kicking only.  Exhale into the water and turn your head to the side to inhale.  Concentrate on keeping your chest deep and your hips and legs high toward the surface.  This drill improves body position and kicking technique."

Although, now that I reread it, I was doing the drill wrong.  Drat.

2011-02-24 11:18 PM
in reply to: #3371285

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Subject: RE: Need swim Guru help on uphill swimming
What I always try to focus on is just really stretching and elongating my body with each stroke.   Some of that is sucking in the gut and maintaining a good lungful of air.   Hard to describe, but just think smooth and arrow straight.   
2011-02-25 12:11 AM
in reply to: #3371535

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Subject: RE: Need swim Guru help on uphill swimming
E=H2O - 2011-02-24 6:21 PM

There are some great You Tube videos. This one is perfect for you. In addition to Natalie's great tips, look closely at how deep she has her head and how she rolls her head to breathe.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYTsSZsQJPc



I think Natalie's swim tips are great. If you are just browsing this thread though, please watch this video...her head isn't so much "deep" as it's simply not held high. Just a sliver of the back of her head is above the water as she swims. She's got such great body position, it's fun to watch.
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