Friday, November 22, 2013

The Anatomy of Poor Swimming Form

I've long wanted to take a video of myself swimming, but never actually did for fear of getting curious stares from people in a public pool. While I was taking formal swimming lessons I have constantly received nothing but encouraging comments from my swim instructor, specifically, that my stroke and kick were okay and that endurance is the only thing I need to work with. When the lessons ended I have relied on Youtube videos to supposedly improve my form and have always thought that I do exactly as the videos say. In short, I've always thought I was a good swimmer. Then during an out-of-town trip with schoolmates at a private resort in Laguna I finally had the opportunity to take a video of myself. The pool wasn't intended for laps, of course, but is was long enough for my purpose.

For the first time, I finally know how I exactly swim - just bad.





My form was unlike that of any video I've seen on Youtube, and very unlike how I used to think I swim. My strokes were awkward. My elbows touch the surface of the water upon entry and I breathe with my face turning to the sky instead of to the side.

I have swam with friends who knew how to swim before, but for some reason none of them have pointed out anything wrong with how I swim. Now that I have finally - after months!!! - identified my problem. At least I now know the things I need to work on.

No comments:

Post a Comment