Approaching Perfect Swimming: Optimal Stroke Technique

There are six parts in this ebook. The first four parts explain the most effective stroke technique for each of the competitive strokes with extensive reference to specific cues that help a swimmer learn how to control his/her body. Part five has two chapters on how to accelerate the skill-learning process – for individuals and for teams. Part six includes quantitative and qualitative analysis strategies. There are five appendices – FAQs, internet resources, cue checklist, STR research, and selected references.

From the Preface –

This book was prompted, in part, by the many misconceptions about swimming technique, some of which have become “conventional wisdom.” For example, ineffective arm synchronization (like catch-up stroke), counterproductive drills (like one arm freestyle), and nonscientific analysis procedures (like adopting a technique element of a champion only because he/she swims fast) have contributed to the proliferation of misconceptions. In contrast, all the technique elements presented in this book are based on principles of physics and decades of research, including thousands of trials using Aquanex (the patented force-measurement technology developed by Swimming Technology Research).

Developed with the individual swimmer in mind, this book is based on more than 30 years of research and supported by specific experience in coaching (from age group to college level), consulting with domestic and international swim teams, and the author’s work with individual swimmers at every performance level (from beginners to world record holders).