How to Swim Faster Freestyle and get Faster Swimming Results
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How to Swim Faster Freestyle with Correct Swimming Technique
How to swim faster freestyle races is all a matter of correct swimming technique and adherence to proper swimming form. Increasing one's efficiency in the water is the quickest way to improve speed and endurance. Proper technique maximizes the amount of pull you exert upon the water while at the same time decreasing drag and unnecessary movement.
The two main skills that define correct freestyle swimming are proper kicking and a solid stroke technique. These two things combined will yield the best results.
Proper Freestyle Swimming
Proper freestyle swimming is when the swimmer's arms move in an hourglass shape as opposed to a windmill. Ideally, your hand should enter the water just above your head diving into the water parallel to the surface, reaching far enough above your head so that your body rotates to the same side as the arm that is above your head. From there, pull your arm down through the water to your waist, bending at the elbow, finishing the stroke by thrusting your forearm back by your side (thigh).The stroke arm should resemble drawing a question mark with your arm. This is something you can practice out of the water.It is difficult to describe in writing and probably just as difficult to understand. Think of pulling the water towards you at the beginning of the stroke and when your hand nears your waist, flip it over and push the water away from you for what little remains of the stroke.
How to Swim a Faster Freestyle without a Coach
Learning how to swim a faster freestyle without a coach is a challenge. How does a person critique his or her own technique while swimming? If you are not sure about proper swimming form in the first place, then how can you be a good judge of your technique? Well, the short answer is that a little ingenuity goes a long way.Reading a description of what is the proper swimming technique for freestyle can only help so much; seeing is believing, as the saying goes. Coaches are expensive and hard to find; this is the biggest hurdle facing anyone determined to improve their swimming times (those interested in Triathlons commonly encounter this problem).
How to Swim Faster Freestyle Resources
- YouTube is your friend. Countless videos are available to watch on correct freestyle swimming and these are all free. Here is a page with some good swim faster freestyle videos.
- Having a good camera phone with the ability to shoot video is a big asset for assessing your progress. Having a camera that can shoot video underwater is an even bigger aid; consider placing it at the bottom of the pool facing up as you swim over top of it. This will offer you a spectacular view of your freestyle technique and enable you to see all your problem areas.
- Use a timepiece to time your lap speed. It seems painfully obvious, but yes a better time is the best indication of improvement and generally means you are doing something right.
- Here is another obvious pointer: join a swimming club or group. It doesn't need to be a formal club or group, you are just looking to knock heads with other swimmers and learn from them.
- Consider learning how to swim faster freestyle with the help of a professional training DVD. It's cheaper than a coach, certainly much more convenient and can seriously improve your swimming technique in a short amount of time. Effortless Swimming is a highly regarded program that has helped people achieve amazing results. You can check it out here-- How to swim faster freestyle. Also take a serious look at some of the David Marsh swim training DVD's located below.
- Proper Nutrition is also important ; put the right gas in your tank to get the job done. Knowing what to eat and when to eat it can have a big impact on performance and more importantly, recovery. If you don't have access to a Nutritionist, then grab a copy of "Runners World Performance and Nutrition" located below.
Underwater Exploration
into the deep
For the underwater explorer who would like to document their adventures in the deep, have a look at this. Hands free recording and excellent quality.
Wide Angle Scuba Series HD-(Medium)-Camera Mask
Amazon Price: Too low to display (as of 06/01/2012)
List Price: $349.00
Release Date: 11/01/2010
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Swimming with Tunes
Yes pack along your favorite music as you make waves. This is a great waterproof case for an iphone and/or other digital products. I use this a lot when I am out boating or doing some recreational swimming.
Amphibx Fit Waterproof and Sweatproof Armband for iPhone, iPod touch, Large MP3 Players, and Music-Enabled Phones (Black/Clear)
Amazon Price: $39.99 (as of 06/01/2012)
List Price: $59.99
Release Date: 12/31/1969
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Swim Faster With David Marsh
David Marsh is one of the premier swim coaches on the planet. This internationally-known coach has coached 24 Olympians from 11 different countries. Yes, he knows his stuff.
Check out his resume:
Swim Coach David Marsh
Check out his resume:
Swim Coach David Marsh
Got a Small Swimming Pool?
No problem.
If you have a small pool or swimming space that does not enable you to do laps then this little thing may be what you need. It basically just hold you in place so you can essentially "swim on the spot".
TYR Stationary Swim Belt - Aqua
Amazon Price: (as of 06/01/2012)
List Price: $25.00
Release Date: 12/31/1969
Runners World Performance and Nutrition
An excellent read for both seasoned runners ( also applies to swimming) and beginners. It talks about complex items in a very easy to read manner and provides basic information for maintaining a nutritional balance.
The right food gets results.
The right food gets results.
Runner's World Performance Nutrition for Runners: How to Fuel Your Body for Stronger Workouts, Faster Recovery, and Your Best Race Times Ever
Amazon Price: $8.42 (as of 06/01/2012)
List Price: $15.95
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Triathlon Training for Dummies
If you have any interest in triathlons or even any of the associated components, this is a must read. This is a simple, practical, and easy to understand guide that covers Triathlon from A to Z whether you are aiming for a Sprint or an Ironman version. This book, while directed at prospective triathletes, can also easily be applied to so many areas of life or athletics. It is about setting goals and preparing to achieve them and finding ways to deal with difficulties through attitude and perseverance.
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Triathlon Training
Amazon Price: $7.87 (as of 06/01/2012)
List Price: $18.95
Release Date: 04/03/2007
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Muscles Used Swimming Freestyle
Latissimus dorsi and the Deltoids are the primary upper body muscles used when swimming freestyle and the Gluteals and hip flexors from the lower body are also used.
Latissimus Dorsi Exercises
- chin ups and reverse chin ups
- Lat Pulldown
- Seated Row
- Straight Arm Pulldowns
- T-Bar Rows
Chin Up Bar for Latissimus Dorsi
Adjusts to fit most standard width door frames from 28" to 36"
250-pound weight capacity
250-pound weight capacity
GoFit Chin-Up Bar
Amazon Price: $17.67 (as of 06/01/2012)
List Price: $24.99
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine
Stamina Body Trac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine
Amazon Price: $125.05 (as of 06/01/2012)
List Price: $230.00
Usually ships in 24 hours
How to Swim Faster Freestyle is with Proper Swimming Form
How to swim a faster freestyle is with strict adherence to proper swimming form. Proper freestyle swimming involves correct swimming techniques that enable a swimmer to achieve the maximum possible speed from each stroke in the water. This may be of little concern to the average person but to someone interested in competitive swimming, proper form is a must. Speed in the pool is gained and maintained through the turns and with strict technique. Correct swimming is what differentiates the amateur from the professional. Adherence to strict form enables individuals to not only swim faster, but also to swim for longer periods of time because they are expending less energy to do so. How to Swim Faster Freestyle with Swimming Aids
This is how to swim faster freestyle with a little help from the tech department. My motto is "gadgets are good". Sure, a good shark suit and stylish goggles can make a difference to your overall performance, but for those determined to improve their freestyle technique with practice, practice, and more practice, here is some essential gear if you don't have it already.
This is for those of us determined to refine our proper swimming form without the reliance on a coach. The underwater video camera is my most used and loved swimming aid; it has helped me to vastly improve my turns and overall speed. Between my camera and the Effortless Swimming DVD, I have pretty much all the bases covered.
This is for those of us determined to refine our proper swimming form without the reliance on a coach. The underwater video camera is my most used and loved swimming aid; it has helped me to vastly improve my turns and overall speed. Between my camera and the Effortless Swimming DVD, I have pretty much all the bases covered.
Speedo Vanquisher Optical Goggles
For those of us with less than perfect eyesight, optical goggles.
(remember that if your order is over $25, the shipping is free!)
(remember that if your order is over $25, the shipping is free!)
Speedo Vanquisher Optical Goggle, Clear, -5
Amazon Price: $14.95 (as of 06/01/2012)
List Price: $19.99
Usually ships in 24 hours
Women's Active Swim Polyurethane Sport Watch
Speedo Women's SDS50618 Active Swim Silicone Sport Watch
Amazon Price: $43.13 (as of 06/01/2012)
List Price: $60.00
Usually ships in 24 hours
Freestyle Men's The Shark Classic Polyurethane Watch
Freestyle Unisex FS81229 Shark Blue Yellow Black Polyurethane Watch
Amazon Price: $35.47 (as of 06/01/2012)
List Price: $55.00
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Underwater Case for the Canon Powershot Digital Camera
Sorry, these seem to go like hotcakes and are rarely available. Check your local camera store for an underwater case if it's not showing up here.
Wrap your camera up and take it underwater. These waterproof cases are a dream. Just check the ordering page to find one for your specific camera.
Wrap your camera up and take it underwater. These waterproof cases are a dream. Just check the ordering page to find one for your specific camera.
DicaPac WP310 160x105mm Medium Alfa Waterproof Digital Camera Case with Optical Lens (Clear)
Amazon Price: $28.00 (as of 06/01/2012)
List Price: $34.95
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Too Much Water in the Ears?
eh? speak up.
Sometimes ear plugs alone do not cut it. if you are experiencing water clogged ears from swimming or other water sports, this may help.
Auro DRI - Ear Water Drying Aid - w/$2.00 rebate, Boxes (Pack of 6)
Amazon Price: $6.50 (as of 06/01/2012)
Muscles used for Swimming
This will show you what muscles are used for swimming the Butterfly and Breast Stroke and what exercise equipment will help you train them. Strength equals speed.
Swimming Age for Babies
You can read the full scoop at Proper Swimming Resources for swimming age for babies
How to Swim a Faster Freestyle Guestbook
Got an unusual practice method? Post it here.
Questions or comments are welcome too.
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alibilal
Apr 17, 2012 @ 10:31 am | delete
- Swim is my hobby. And i like this lens. Thank you.
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TheLifestyleChanger
Apr 10, 2012 @ 9:41 pm | delete
- Helpful information - thank you and all the best on Squidoo.
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Aly_Coach
Mar 26, 2012 @ 11:52 pm | delete
- Hi all,
Our Bio group have contributed a great deal to our teams performance. We started to look into camera technology and our head coach was referred a product called SwimPro (www.swimmingcam.com - for those interested). Great product with heaps of functions. Our setup allows us to give instant video feedback and analysis without the athletes leaving the water.
Also, we are looking into stroke counters. Does anyone know of any good products?
Aly
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K_Kyla
Mar 13, 2012 @ 10:40 pm | delete
- this is very helpful, thanks for sharing!
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billsolano
Feb 26, 2012 @ 12:40 pm | delete
- swimming is some of the best exercise. Thanks.
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by Barracuda101
How to swim a faster freestyle is totally dependent upon proper swimming form. Correct swimming technique will increase your speed and endurance.
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