How to Swim – The 2 Killer Secrets to a Smoother Freestyle
Author: Brenton Ford
Power words are words which if thought about while performing an action, can improve that action dramatically.
For example, imagine a golfer lining up to sink a 6 yard putt on the 18th hole. He needs to sink this shot for the win. The pressure on him to perform is enormous. Now pause for a moment. What do you think a professional golfer would be saying to himself? “HARD AND FAST…HARD AND FAST” or “STEADY…STEADY…”. The latter of course.
In swimming it is no different. There are two power words which if thought about and repeated while swimming, your swimming will immediately improve. Not only in the way it feels, but in speed, in ease and in smoothness. These two words are “LONG” and “RELAXED”. Repeat them when you’re swimming. “LONG” and “RELAXED”.
When I use this technique with swimmers who are starting out or have little experience, the results are dramatic. It’s common to have swimmers tell me they ‘finally get it’ once they experience swimming long and relaxed. What do I mean by ‘long’? Swimming ‘long’ means to be as torpedo like as possible. You should imagine yourself reaching for the wall in each stroke and pulling right back past your hip. The longer you can make your body the less resistance you will create and the faster you will go. What do I mean by ‘relaxed’?
To go faster in swimming, you need to relax your body. Contrary to what comes natural when we attempt to speed up, you must relax your arms, your shoulders and your legs to increase your speed. Rather than swimming ‘tense’, relax your muscles and allow yourself to power through the water without fighting it. This is absolute key to swimming fast. During your next workout, imagine yourself swimming ‘long’ and ‘relaxed’ and instantly see the benefits.
How do elite swimmers get so good? Find out at http://effortless-swimming.com
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/water-sports-articles/how-to-swim-the-2-killer-secrets-to-a-smoother-freestyle-868104.html
1
Tracy B
Wednesday, October 21st, 2009 at 2:38 pm
Long and relaxed – my new mantra. I’ll try it out tomorrow. I know one of my fastest 100’s ever came purely coincidentally when I was super relaxed. I’ll never forget that feeling-almost felt as though I was in the twilight zone. I’m still trying to recreate the magic of that swim.
2
Swim Fins
Friday, November 20th, 2009 at 1:01 am
Yeah.. “Long and relaxed” is the best technique for the beginners.. Even I was thought the same and I still follow it
3
phoolbu
Saturday, November 21st, 2009 at 6:27 am
You can use tools like swim fins to have correct kicking method. Fins are essentials for swimming too. Check out this website to know more: http://www.swimfinsnow.com/