I’m a beginner trying to learn freestyle, but I’m feeling overwhelmed by the unorganized information out there. Many channels have great videos, but the content is often split and doesn’t connect the body’s motions as a whole.
I’m looking for a single video, playlist, or book that breaks down freestyle in a well-structured way. Something that explains how the different techniques fit together would be great. Once I understand the overall motion, I can dive into more specific drills.
I’m lucky to have access to a 25m lane for two hours a week, and I want to use that time to build a strong, enjoyable technique for swimming long distances.
Check out the MySwimPro channel on YouTube. They have plenty of great videos for beginners, and I’ve made a lot of progress being self-taught through YouTube. It takes time and trial and error, but it’s definitely possible!
Ziv said: @Ari
Do you feel like learning from YouTube was as effective as having a swim coach? I’ve heard mixed opinions and can’t afford a coach myself.
For me, YouTube was super effective. I’ve made significant progress by experimenting with advice from different videos. A coach could have sped up the process, but YouTube is a great option if coaching isn’t accessible. I’m about to try an all-day freestyle clinic with video analysis, but even without that, YouTube has been invaluable.
You might like the book Swim Smooth: The Complete Coaching System for Swimmers and Triathletes. I worked with a Swim Smooth coach, and their approach helped me drop 8 seconds from my 100m front crawl overnight. The book should have detailed guidance.
Another good read is Total Immersion: The Revolutionary Way to Swim Better, Faster, and Easier. It focuses more on finding balance and the ‘feel’ of the water rather than strict technique.