Swimming Control and Stability

By swimlab | February 9, 2017 |

Swimming with control, stability and balance, are key for an adult onset swimmer to capture as early as possible in a lesson sequence; they obviously serve as the foundation on which to build a solid and efficient stroke.

Without movement control and, understanding how to stabilise the body in a very unstable medium (water), a swimmer will continue to make extremely inefficient movement patterns.

Generally moving limbs through the water, yet not propelling the body forwards – which is our aim.

What a difference 40 minutes makes! Observe the video below.

The lower clip – the swimmer’s initial video. Typical upper body and lower body disconnected movements, typified by high head, low hips and legs, rapid windmilling arms – the obvious response to sinking legs!! Somewhat erratic leg movements that are merely counter balancing all of the instability.

After a single lesson and a week’s focussed practice. The swimmer is beginning to connect differently with the water. Movements are calmer, slower. Head position has improved, there by raising hips, there is a gentle and controlled torso rotation, allowing for a different arm recovery and entry depth.

The swimmer reports typical internal feedback cues at this early stage feeling that the swims are

it feels easier
it feels smoother
it feels more powerful (easier to generate more power)

Great work on session 1 of 5!

Posted in Blog and tagged balance, foundation swimming skills, internal feedback, propulsion, stroke correction, swim skills, swimming improvement, swimming technique, total immersion swimming