Best Swimming Instructional Video

I have an older video of theirs called "fishlike freestyle" that I think is pure genius. I have been swimming since I was 5, and swam competitively for about 10 years, but this video totally changed my stroke and reduced strain on my shoulders, neck and low back. I absolutely love getting into the pool now! I can't comment on speed gains because I have always been slow, but I sure do love getting back into the pool.

I'm pretty much starting from scratch on the swinmming thing. About 15 years ago I worked up to 1500m during an 8 week stroke clinic, but nothing at all before that or since. In the last month I've gotten the "tri urge" and picked up the TI video. I'm so motivated right now, I want to swim every day, even though I still can't go more than 50 yards without a break. I'm playing with the drills, although it makes me a little self-conscious. I'm liking it so much, and want to start my swimming life right instead if struggling, so I've signed up for a TI weekend workshop in Raleigh next weekend. Maybe i'll do a workshop "race" report when I get back. I'm also signed up for my first race, a sprint in Ricmond in Oct. Can't wait.

Ron

I have the old TI DVD "Fishlike Freestyle" and the new DVD "Freestyle Made Easy". IMO, the new DVD is way better: it shows more material on what it actually taught at the workshop, and it specificially address those issues that are problematic for TI students. Also, it covers breathing, weak kicks, "ear hops", flip turns, and momentum. The drills are demonstrated by 3 elite swimmers and 2 novice swimmers, plus Terry himself. The narration is more informative and the music sounds better ;-) (some instructional videos can get boring, so hearing upbeat background music is a plus).

Also, check out: http://www.goswim.tv/home.php for the Drill of the Week and forums,
http://www.goswim.tv/videolist.php# for the visuals on how these swim drills are done,
http://www.goswim.tv/productreviews.php?id=C0_25_19 for a list of DVD's that you can buy.

Also, check out: http://www.fsn.ch/links/links_tips_index.htm for more tips, advice, and how-to's.

The "Freestyle made easy" is very good and if you go to the website you can get the "triathlon swimming" book in a package deal.

I would use the newer TI videos. I have heard that the lesson order and body position make more sense in the newer ones, but I don't know that from experience. My husband is using the new "Freestyle Made Easy" and likes it. I will start learning it after my first tri.