I am constantly amazed at the number of toys that people take to the pool. Kickboards, pull bouys, snorkels, weighted gloves, fist gloves, fins, and paddles abound. I have yet to figure out if I'm a purist or a novice. When I go for a swim, I take two things. Goggles and a towel. The towel is optional. But you should always know where your towel is.
There is, however, one training aid I do put to good use. As a fan of visualization, I love videos that show proper swim form. Drills make a great deal more sense when seen done properly. Having access to underwater views is particularly helpful. And five or ten minutes of video of a strong swimmer in the water, from different angles, provides valuable imagery for my own swim sessions.
Currently, I am using the Swim Smooth DVD set. Paul Newsome put together an outstanding video that breaks down the swim stroke to its component parts. Coaches and swimmers demonstrate drills designed to correct and improve each phase of the swim stroke. The videos are laid out in a manner that allows the user to select areas of weakness and focus on those specific drills.
The DVD also comes with a CD full of resources for training. Included on the CD is an 8-week training program designed for use with the videos. And for those who have yet to pick up the DVD set, Swim Smooth has a bunch of resources available on their website.
Their "Free Articles" page is loaded with information from breathing to efficient stroke to nutrition. One new item recently posted is a "10 Step Performance Checklist" that can be downloaded or printed. It provides a general guideline of steps to improved swimming as well as the drills that will help along the way. With or without the video, these resources are wonderful tools for anyone looking to make quantum leaps in the swim skills, this off season.
Take a peek at what Paul and crew at Swim Smooth have to offer. And check back during the month as I offer in-depth feedback on those areas that receive my attention.
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