Subject: RE: Best Swim books/DvDs Familiar with many of those; the best I've found for producing significant speed and endurance improvements over a dozen weeks time is not on your list: its Finding Freestyle (web based, Google it). "FF" uses some novel drills and progressions to help your body "teach itself" how to integrate the pull, kick, and breathing aspects of the stroke. The best long term, comprehensive toolbox I've found is the Swim Smooth web site and DVD set, which includes detailed technical points on all stroke aspects, a thorough drill system, and ability-based progressive training programs - kind of "everything you'd ever need to know" in one package. Swim Smooth has some creative and novel tools that can help you as a self-coached swimmer - check out their "Swim Types" information, and system for telling whether your stroke rate is too slow or too fast. Another source not on your list - and mostly free - is the "GoSwim" site and youtube channel - tons of great technique tips and drills that work. Total Immersion is a thing unto itself - unconventional approach to both the stroke and training. I think its very good and helpful on some aspects (balance, drag reduction) and just unconventional on others (propulsion, conditioning). I'd say take the time to read the pro and con discussions on the tri forums, including here, and decide whether and to what extent its the right approach for you and your goals - and same for the others. |