Swim book

Supernoodle

Can anyone recommend a swimming book? Im just getting into it as a cross train. And like reading so fancied a book as a bit of entertainment. And you never know, it might help me a bit. I'm a beginner -confident in water but not swam much since a kid and then it was splashing about fun rather than proper swimming. I do about 2.15-2.30 min per 100m. Have swam up to a mile in sessions so far. Thanks

DaylightR

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Swim-Smooth-Complete-Coaching-Triathletes/dp/1119963192 

Is pretty comprehensive. However, theres a huge amount of information just on the swimsmooth wesbite if you want to have a look at the sort of style before commiting to a purchase.

I've no personal experience of them, but others have also had good success with Total Immersion - no idea if they do a book though I'm afraid.

WildWill

yes to above 

an alternative is

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Total-Immersion-Revolutionary-Better-Faster-ebook/dp/B007FMESK4/

 

another real good one for kit bag

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Workouts-Binder-Swimmers-Triathletes-Coaches/dp/1931382743

 

Mallowpuff

I like the Swim Smooth book, had it on Kindle but also picked up a physical copy. Tried reading the Total Immersion book but just couldn't get on with how it was written

The PSOF Kit Fairy

Swim Exercises

Supernoodle

Much appreciated all. Thinking swim smooth and the waterproof binder. ????

Supernoodle

The ???? was a smiley face

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i would suggest super noodle try to learn several drills from the book in the start of every swim. the books are very technical and overwhelming so i'm not sure how useful they are for beginner. i learnt technique from a swim club coach and it took me a while to understand what drills were doing in the swim. the book i bought i still found very technical and i could not translate the writing to what i did in swimming. i had to go on youtube and watch a lot of videos to help on turns and things. there were some nice speedo videos that explain important things like pull. i gave up on technique after a while but i will start to do some more drills in my session now. they do help.

Supernoodle

Thanks for the advice guys. I've joined a triathlon club for swim coaching so I should be able to ask for help interpreting the book as I get to know people.

I had my first go with a pull buoy today. It felt like I was head down in the water and was a struggle to get my head out to breathe at first. But then I got the hang of it a bit more and started rolling side to side, which I think is a good thing? My arms felt a bit all over the place so I did shoulder taps to control them which is a drill learnt at club. Could the pull buoy be too buoyant? (I'm 9st.) Would it matter - will I still get the benefits of the exercise even if I am a bit head down? Is this what it feels like in a wetsuit - aiming to hit the open water next year.

DaylightR

One of the aims of pull buoy exercises is to promote good body roll. Sounds like good progress to me!

Supernoodle

I think I agree - I'm not sure how much I'll be able to work out from a book. But I enjoy reading about stuff so want to get one. It looks like they've got swim smooth at my local library so I'm going by today to see if it's available. I'm sure there'll be the odd thing to pick up - like that rolling is a good thing. I bought a book on strength training for runners that I thoroughly enjoyed, then ignored completely and went to a body pump class! No time for body pump with the swimming tho so may duat it off.

As i get to know the tri club members I might see if someone can give me some one to one time. I'll see how the group sessions pan out.

Thanks for the help all. Getting excited about open water next year now. Got a long wait!