By Coach Shev Gul - London BSc Eng, Asca, Wsca, Fistc(cc), NLP Mp & AL Sportmind Consult. ... Contact: Coach Shev Gul in London. E-mail: gulshev@aol.com ...

http://www.waterworldswim.com/coaches_desk.asp

Giessener Schwimmverein

Das " Kurz-Lagen " Konzept : Training

Quelle: ASCTA, aus. The Journal for Swimming Research. Vol 16, 2004, Training.

http://www.gsv1.de/kurzlagen.htm

Technique Support - Key Drills (fc)
Swimming Technique Fundamentals Series
         Front Crawl (FC) Technique Essentials
         Back Crawl (BK) Stroke Technique Essentials
         Butterfly (FLY) Stroke Technique Essentials
         Breast Stroke (BR) Technique Essentials
The Breathing Profile - Characteristics of a Swimmer
Breathing Coaching In Sport - A Fresh Perspective
Dances With Water
Stroke Timing Correction
The Art And Science of Swimming
A Summary of Our Stroke Technique Teaching Sequence
Breathing Control Fundamentals - Technique
Intergrating Breathing With Body Roll
Swimming Economy - Momentum
Effective Learning Strategies - Tips and Techniques
          World Swimming Coaches Association - WSCA Newsletter
Performing In The Zone
NLP and A.L. Techniques For Sport
Self-hypnosis and Hypnotherapy
Self-Hypnosis in Sport
           http://swimming.about.com/od/sportpsychology/a/self_hypnosis.htm
Reflex/Subconscious Swimming
Short Medley (SM) Concept
Re-learning from the obvious - Swim fundamentals
Pizza arm action - Teaching br stroke pull
Silence is Golden - Feel Development
The ART; Technique, Swimming, Teaching and Coaching
Instant Refuelling - Mind and Body
Armless Strategies
Balance - A Fresh Perspective
The Grab Start - A Check List
Pure Technique vs Physical Kamikaze
Food for Thought
Roll vs Pull
Role of Choreography in teaching swimming technique
Under Our Skins - The future of our sport
Foamless Practices
AQUA PHOBIA - The Anatomy and Effective Treatment
Technique - A National Quest
UK Sport PLC - Prospecting for Gold (A letter-reply from No. 10 !)
A Letter to London Mayor- How to reduce crime through better sport initiatives
To: Tony Blair - The Prime Minister
Sport, Crime and .......
The FA's Missing Link - Football Coaching

Technique Support - Key Drills (fc)

The Key Drills - fc

1. Popov`s Rock & Roll and Glide Tall     (develops roll, breathing timing and balance)
2. Super Slow Skimming                          (develops a relaxed high elbow recovery and balance)
3. Roll Like a Log                                    (develops fixed head position,roll and balance)

These drills will maintain the quality of your fc stroke technique. Always keep practising them in a playful, relaxed and deliberately slow mode. Always keep going back to them, for the rest of your swimming careers.

FC Technique Summary

* Swim with back of the head in line with spine, Long Axis-LA (for perfect balance)
* Eyes looking down (keeps the body tallest and balanced)
* When breathing-in, head relaxed and rolls with body/torso (keeps the head on the LA)
* Always breathe-in with one goggle out of the water
* When breathing on the RHS, top eye as looking toward the 'one o'clock'
* When breathing on the LHS, top eye as looking toward the 'eleven o'clock'
* When breathing-out, as face returns into water, spread the exhalation until next inhalation
* Enter front hand in front of the shoulder line, and 2/3 of the full arm reach (body roll/hip rotation
   timing starts at this point)
* Remember: It is the body roll that makes the arm go/reach forward (imp!)
* The under arm: when hand beneath and in line with eyes, is flexed 90 deg.
   And, from this position, the hand keeps accelerating backward (power phase) as the body roll/hip
   gets out of its way
* On completion of the hand pressing backwards, finger tips should be pointing down i.e, palm looking
   backward
* Arm recovery is initiated with elbow, with high elbow leading the recovery until the elbow is in line
   with the shoulder. During the arm recovery hand is kept close to the body (imp!)
* Front entry, high elbow maintained, fingers pointing down with palms looking down
* Maintain a continuos and relaxed long leg kicking action, initiated from the hips
* Always learn to swim with relaxed and light arms

Important !

Swimmers:   Print a copy of this email for your swimming technique development file.

Parents:       Take a copy of the above list with you - when you are observing your child`s training
                   session. Check out the swimmer`s FC technique progress -against the points listed above.
                   And give him/her a feedback when you get back home.

Good luck and keep me posted!

Shev

On more drills for smarter and effective training:
Contact Coach Shev Gul. gulshev@aol.com Tel- 020 8886 1119 www.swimmtech.com

SWIMMING TECHNIQUE FUNDAMENTALS SERIES

1. FRONT CRAWL (FC) TECHNIQUE ESSENTIALS

Front Crawl is the fastest stroke of all four swimming styles; fc, bk, fly, br

The technique essentials in FC are summarised below.

A balanced body position must be maintained throughout the stroke cycle.
A good body roll around the Long Axis (LA) must be present.
Head position fixed on the Long Axis and eyes looking down.
During breathing (inhalation) head rolls with the body.
Breathing with one goggle out of the water is a must.
A good breathing technique (correct inhalation and exhalation process) and frequency must be maintained – on every 2nd or on every 3rd stroke.
Relaxed high elbow arm recovery and flat and relaxed hand entry at all times.
From 90 deg. high elbow position, faster under arm action, always.
Hip (core power) rotation action starts with the forward hand entry.
A narrow, relaxed and continuous leg kicking action initiated from the hips.
For a smooth, efficient, effortless and faster FC technique; relaxation, breathing technique, (DBT) stroke timing, stroke range-distance per stroke and rhythm, all play a vital role.

For more info on Swimming Technique Clinics, contact;
Coach Shev Gul, www.swimmtech.com, gulshev@aol.com Tel: 020 8886 1119

2. BACK CRAWL (BK) STROKE TECHNIQUE ESSENTIALS

Back Crawl (BK) is the third fastest stroke out of the four swimming styles; fc, fly, bk, br.

For a smooth, flowing, efficient and faster BK, the following technique qualities must be learned and mastered.

A balanced body position must be maintained throughout the stroke cycle.
A fixed head position is a top priority in BK.
Hips are kept high.
As in the fc, body rolls around the Long Axia (LA)
During each body roll, shoulders must clear the water.
Relaxed and straight over arm recovery is followed with little finger leading the entry in to the water.
Depth of the arm is a function of the body roll.
Accelerating an under arm from 90 deg. bent elbow is essential.
Breathing: Inhalation as one arm enters, exhalation as the other arm enters the water.
Kicking: from the hips, long and straight legs, a narrow kick, smooth, relaxed and continuous.
Learning stroke timing is a must for speed development and fast BK swimming..
Relaxation, timing, breathing technique, rhythm, stroke rage – stroke length are key to a faster BK swimming.

For more on BK Stroke Technique, contact:
Coach Shev Gul, gulshev@aol.com, Tel: 020 8886 1119, www.swimmtech.com

3. BUTTERFLY (FLY) STROKE TECHNIQUE ESSENTIALS

Fly stroke is the second fastest swimming style out of the four swimming categories; fc, fly, bk, br.

For a flowing, efficient and faster FLY stroke, the following technical and biomechanical requirements must be present.

A balanced body position most be maintained throughout the stroke cycle.
Head is kept in line with spine and eyes are looking down.
Body / hips roll around the Short Axis (SA).
An undulating body-dolphin movement is maintained.
Arms and Legs move simultaneously.
High elbow principles are maintained throughout the stroke cycle.
High hips position is maintained
Breathing is executed with face-eyes looking down.
A controlled inhalation and exhalation technique is vital for efficiency.
Kicking: 1st kick, as hands enters the water. 2nd kick, as hands approach hips.
Breathing on every 2nd stroke is the preferred pattern.
Good timing, relaxation, stroke range-stroke length, rhythm and breathing control technique (DBT) must be maintained, for a faster Fly stroke development.

For more on Fly stroke technique, contact:
Coach Shev, gulshev@aol.com, Tel: 020 8886 1119, www.swimmtech.com

4. BREAST STROKE (BR) TECHNIQUE ESSENTIALS

BR stroke is the slowest swiming style out of the four; fc, fly, bk, br.

For a flowing, efficient and faster BR stroke, the following technical and biomechanical requirements must be present.

A balanced body position is maintained throughout the stroke cycle.
Head is kept in line with spine.
As in Fly stroke, body rolls around the Short Axis (SA).
An undulating body movement is present.
High elbow principle is maintained throughout the stroke cycle.
High hips and high knees position - close to surface is maintained.
Fast arm action is executed in front of the chest, with elbows close to the water surface.
Breathing on every stroke, with face and eyes looking down.
A controlled – timing and duration of inhalation and exhalation action is maintained.
Arms and legs move simultaneously.
A strong kick and fast arm action is the key for a faster BR stroke.
Kicking: with feet turned out is directed backwards and out, with toes pointing downward. Toes-soles touching on completion of kicking.
Timing, relaxation, stroke range- stroke length, rhythm, controlled breathing technique (DBT) and good undulation must be mastered well for an economical and faster BR speed development.

For more on BR stroke technique, contact:
Coach Shev Gul. gulshev@aol.com Tel-020 8886 1119 www.swimmtech.com

The Breathing Profile - Characteristics of a Swimmer

Finding about a swimmer's breathing profile would be an invalubale info resource and an educational exercise for both the coach and the swimmers too.

Frequency?

Describe how do you roll your head to initiate the breathing action?

Describe the position of your head in the water at the time of inhalation?

Describe the position of your head during the exhalation?

How do you breathe (i.e mouth or nose)?

Timing of head roll in relation to your forward arm/hand position?

Timing of your inhalation in relation of the back arm/hand?

Timing of your start of exhalation?

The exhalation pattern throughout your stroke cycle - the duration of your exhalation?

When you inhale, what part of your chest do you think you are using?

What are the main muscles involved in breathing action - swimming?

To increase the volume of air inhaled (the aim), what breathing muscle must be engaged.

What type of breathing relaxation techniques are you aware of, before a race and immediately after the race?

Which organ is the biggest O2 guzzler?

Do you know any of dry land breathing practices for swimming?

How does O2 contribute in the production of energy for the muscles to do the work?

"Relaxation at high speeds is the key to winning races."
Where does this `relaxation` come from?

Can a better `breathing control technique` help delay/slow down the Lactic Acid action?

For Breathing Control Technique coaching and to swim faster contact:

Coach Shev Gul
E-mail: gulshev@aol.com
www.swimmtech.com
Tel- 020 8886 1119

Re-learning from the obvious - Swim fundamentals

To: ASCA-WSCA Editor
Dec 07, Coach Shev Gul

Re: Some new light through the old window

Our sport could be re-energized and brightened up a bit, by coaches and sport scientist having another look at the 'obvious' !

Here below are couple of examples:

Kicking off the Kick Board !

Since balance is such a precious and precision linked concept-reference point, in the acquisition of stroke technique excellence, why do we continue encouraging our swimmers, teachers and coaches to throw spanner in to the balance mechanism, with the use of Kick Board.

Is it not time that we have a break from using the Kick Board, especially at the grassroots level (6 - 11) of our sport ?

Please, lets encourage some debate in this area !

Lets shine some " new light through the old window".

Balance & Timing

Having naturally (in a natural way-without the Kick Board) learned, tasted and felt the meaning and the importance of the balance concept first, here below is another example (obvious!), how it becomes a 'natural feeder' for the mastering the timing concept in swimming too - correct stroke technique acquisition process;

Floatation (Eureka!)

Weight of object in the water (Wt obj) = Weight of the water displaced (Wt h2o)

Balance

Center of Gravity of the object in the water (CG obj ) = Buoyancy Force (BF h2o)

Perfect Balance: When CG obj in line with the BF h2o

The Tool: Keeping the head centred on the Long Axis
(i.e., the weight of our head, Wt head).

Timing

Precision in movement must be the golden goal to aim for

Timing in; breathing, body roll, hand/arm recovery, hand entry, momentum exchange-transfer, kicking....

I look forward to asca valued comments.

Kind regards

Shev

Pizza arm action - Teaching br stroke pull

To: Editor - American Swimming Magazine
Fm: Coach Shev Gul - London, 10. 07

The power of metaphors in teaching swimming skills and technique

A metaphor suitable for all abilities and ages.

One of the most fastest, and natural way for the skill, understanding and knowledge acquisition to take place is through the creative use of metaphors (A.L. fundamental).

In teaching swimming skills-technique; from nappy, competitive, olympic to senior citizens level, I have always sought to find out the most effective communication- linguistic strategies, which learners can lock-on instantly to.

What stimulated me to share these few lines with ASCA/WSCA was; when the 3 1/2 years young little Sophie's mum, came over to me on the pool deck and said " Shev, you have got the message across to our daughter Sophie so well that; in the house, on the way to the nursery, in the supper market, in the car and everywhere we go, she just can't get enough practising her br stroke pizza arm action"...

" Hands round the pizza, and chop it/slice it "....

For some time, I've been using the 'pizza' metaphor in teaching and correcting the br stroke arm action to every ability group-level with some instant connection and success.

And here is the recipe;

Dry land practise:

Line up the swimmers along the wall facing pool.

Get them to extend their straight arms, in front of them and shoulder level

Leaving their elbows fixed, and parallel to the ground, ask them to drop their wrists and their lower hands slightly pointing to the floor.

Leaving the elbows high and in a fixed position, get the swimmers to move their hands and their lower arms outward in a circle, at mid chest level, around a body-wide imagery pizza which is positioned - horizontal in front of their tummy.

As the palms meet in front of their chest/tummy, ask them now to 'chop/slice their pizza' outward really fast, sharp and in a straight line.

After slicing the family size pizza into two halves, allow the long arms to rest for a second, (very important) before the hands and the lower arms resume again the continuous the " hands round the pizza, and chop/slice it fast" action.

Now take your pizza to the pool:

Push and glide in a streamlined position, nose pointing down-balanced body, arms extended in front, and no kicking. Continue the " hands around the pizza, and chop it " action in the pool. Making sure the swimmers rest their arms for a sec. after each chopping/ slicing action. Take a breath after making-executing the three pizza arm actions, and rpt.

When ready, integrate the ' pizza ' arm action with correct br breathing and leg action technique-timing.

Make time to taste the pizza underwater too:

And, finally top up your pizza arm action with some tasty underwater practices.

Slip down underwater, approx 4ft deep, and take 4 to 5 underwater pizza arm actions before refuelling the lungs with some fresh O2, and keep repeating the cycle till you reach the other end of the pool.

Enjoy your very fast, and tasty br pizza take-away; swimming!

Coach Shev Gul - London

Thanking ASCA for the inspiration and the light....

Silence is Golden - Feel Development

To: ASCA-WSCA Editor
Fm: Coach Shev Gul Sept 07

Feel development - swimming

" If only, teachers and coaches encouraged swimmers to try to taste swimming quietly, and introduced 'silent swimming' sets in their workouts......

we would develop athletes with a better feel for the water, and better feel for their movement through the water..... "

Silence is gold!

Shev

The ART; Technique, Swimming, Teaching and Coaching

To: ASCA-WSCA Editor
Feb 07, Coach Shev Gul

Techinque in Sport

Why promotion of more awareness of ' technique ' in sport is so important.

" Art is Long. Life is Short " Art:           Something we define as being beautiful.

Technique:          The Art and the method of doing something skilfully.

Swimming:          Is an Art

Teaching:            Is an Art

Coaching:           Is an Art

By making the ' technique' the corner stone and the foundation of the knowledge base;

we make the sport more stimulating, interesting, a better understanding of the meaning of art-sport, better understanding of mind-body connection, provide a vehicle for self expression, increase the retention in sport, learn how to become stronger, grow higher and perform better, develop creative and thinking athletes, teachers and coaches, give a better reference point- meaning to the sport........

" Technique is, a perfected skill in the execution of a bodily movement.... not something finished yet, but the result of a certain skilled observation "

.... Shev Gul

Think technique, See technique, Hear technique,
Feel technique, Perform technique

Shev Gul - London

Note:
I congratulate WSCA/ASCA with their visionary 'global coaches participation' call.

This will make our sport a world leader among other sports -
accessibility, democracy, participation, in decision making.

It will take our great sport to new knowledge levels -
sharing ideas, concepts, experiences.

It will promote more world coaches involvement in the development
of the world swimming sport.

It will facilitate an organic growth in individuals - coaches development
and in the evolution of the sport.

It will continue to lead the world of sports in coach education, development
and leadership development.

It will help to bring an end to the ' prescriptive teaching and coaching '
philosophy era - we need freed thinking athletes and coaches..............

Instant Refuelling - Mind and Body

To: ASCA - WSCA Editor
May 05, Coach Shev Gul

Helping swimming athletes to recover even faster between the heats
and competitions.

Simple and natural methods are usually the best answer!

Hope you find the following steps useful for your athletes instant recovery.

" When the breath is dominated, mind is subdued." .............Hatha Yoga

" Better breathing technique, promotes better mind calming, body relaxation, higher energy levels, faster healing and helps one become more physically and mentally centred." ...................N. Zi

" 40% of the O2 inhaled is consummed by the brain- the CPU and the CC"

Here below the correct steps again:

First, Learning the technique

Find a quiet and comfortable place to sit down. And imagine your breathing is from
your core centre (below your belly bottom).

Exhale the residue air in your body-lungs.
Notice how your stomach go inward, toward your spine.
Then, inhale slowly via your nose to the count of four.
As you inhale, notice how your stomach rises (pushed outward by your flattening diaphragm).
Hold your breath to the count of two.
Then, slowly exhale via your mouth strongly (pursed lips) to the count of six.
Notice how your stomach goes inward.
Hold your breath again to the count of two.
Again, exhale the residue air till your stomach goes inward even further.

Repeat the above steps and cycle six times, as often as possible. Until the technique
becomes automatic.

And now, you have started and learned breathing via your belly instead your chest
(shallow and inefficient breathing).

Breathing like this all the time, will make you always; feel fresher, relaxed, energised, long lasting
in your mental and physical engagements-work, and will prolong life and offer protection against
stress and will promote faster healing-recovery from illness too.

Re: For Elite Athletes - Instant Recovery:

Go straight into the above 'four' - inhaling (nose), and to the 'six' - exhaling (mouth) sequence.
Repeat 6 times...

Thanks for taking part.

Regards

Shev

For More info on A-Z Breathing Mechanics and Technique - better performance

See: http://swimmtech.com/1a.htm

To: Tony Blair - The Prime Minister

UK Sports Plc, Prospecting For Gold!

From: Coach Shev Gul, BSc, Fellow GB ASA Fistc(cc), ASCA-USA, MP NLP & AL Sportsmind Consultant
www.swimmtech.com, Tel- 00 44 208 886 1119, gulshev@aol.com

Dear Tony Blair

"Sport (Art) is Long. Politics (Life) is Short"!.............................................. (sg)

Just as some of our top international companies like Barclays and British Airways have hired foreign Chief Executives, many of our leading national sport bodies such as Football, Rugby, Cricket, Rowing, Swimming etc. have followed suit by hiring top foreign coaches.

But unlike the Chief Executives of these top international companies, our imported coaches are not brought in to revamp or to restructure sport in this country. It seems that they are not empowered to bring in fundamental, effective and lasting change from grassroots level to the very top. What is needed is radical changes to the outdated management and coaching practices and to change the deep-rooted culture and mentality of our sport systems- which is the reason for our under performing sportsmen and sportswomen (Ref; Swimming Times, Aug. 2000, Technique A National Quest - The Missing Link!, and in www.swimmtech.com -Articles Page).

Since these imported captains of our national sports are not hired and are not empowered to completely overhaul our under performing national sports systems in the UK, we are simply deluding ourselves and misdirecting our resources by running after `quick-fix` remedies.

It is time to stop avoiding the real issues of our sport.

The real issues confronting UK Sports Plc are:

* The outdated sport management styles

* The old and limited sport teachers and coaches training programmes

* Lack of visionary sport leaders (scholars, scientists, coaches like; Doc Counsilman
F Carlile, C Colwin, E Maglischo, J Leonard etc..of the world swimming sport).

Can we name any UK sports coaches which have come up with original and ground braking ideas and concepts, which have helped to the development of their respective sports, and have been adapted and used as a reference by the teachers, coaches and the athletes of the world sport community? Any worthy name-contributor-from the UK Swimming Sport during the last half century? Any names in the `World Swimming Hall of Fame`?

* A shallow scientific know-how and knowledge base (application)

* A deep-rooted culture which is resistant to the new changes and afraid to embrace progress.

* A funding relying on the lottery hand outs (Only a few years ago, our National Athletics Sports Body was headed/allowed for bankruptcy !).

What we need is a national strategy for sport. The present system is fragmented, politically motivated and left to individual entrepreneurs whose main interest is profit (Man United!).

Now that we have the 2012 Olympics, there is a good case for a strong separate Government Department and perhaps even a permanent `think tank` for GB sport.

"The true value and the benefits of sport to the nation as a whole need to be reassessed and seen totally from a different and fresher perspective - Some New Light Through Old Windows is urgently needed."

e.g, UK Sport (Swimming) is built on a wobbly foundation

When it comes to swimming in this country, - yes we have engaged Bill Sweetenham from Australia to `prospect for gold`!. But his remit is to tap the rich seams of our talented 13-14 year olds. He could be lucky next time round, although GB has not won any swimming gold medals in the last three Olympics!

But this does not address the long term needs of UK swimming. Many of our other national sports such as soccer and cricket (where are the gold medals, FA? and where are the overdue Ashes?) are up against the same problem.

What is needed is a Supremo to overhaul swimming from grassroots level. The very foundation of swimming in the UK needs to be overhauled if we are to build long term and lasting change.

We have to start rebuilding from the base

Swimming in the UK is presently built on weak foundations, and its future structure and its future prospects will remain wobbly unless we tackle the fundamental issues such as Core Skills and Correct Technique Acquisition for the competitive swimming population under the age of 12/13 year old - the very base and future foundation of the swimming sport in UK.

In UK , we have adapted a `retrain `philosophy instead of `retain `philosophy - in the case of, `early development of core skills and stroke technique perfection ` for the age group, 7 to 12/13 years old (ref; B. Sweetenham, 01.09. 03 - Stroke Technicians for UK Swimming).

I trust that you will find the foregoing update on the current and the future position of UK Sport in general interesting, and hope it will give you some positive `food for thought`, for your future decisions relating to the sport in UK.

" Art-Sport is Long. Life-Politics is Short" ..............................(sg)

Look forward to your valued comments!

Coach Shev Gul - London

Tel- 020 8886 1119
www.swimmtech.com

Sport, Crime and .......

To: ASCA-WSCA Editor
Aug 07, Coach Shev Gul

A letter to our world leaders-politicians:

Change the world-minds through better investment into sport....

"You will never get a criminal, robber, drug dealer, terrorist or a murderer from a person who was given an opportunity to be involved in sport, become an athlete, and to belong to a socially stimulating sport club scene...."

By Coach Shev Gul, How to reduce crime - A Letter to the London Mayor, Dec 06.

Change the world-minds through better investment into sport....

Shev

The FA's Missing Link - Football Coaching

To: P.Hayward and M.Lawton - Daily Mail
Articles dd 26th March 07, pages 86 & 87
Please forward to FA, S. McClaren, Sport Minister.....

Re: The Missing Link

" The Art-Coaching is Long. Life-Politics is Short ".................sg

" Just like teaching, coaching is an art. You either have it or you do not "

" The current way of coaching has killed the spirit of natural desire for self expression in the players. And it has been taken away-killed by the managers and the FA who are in the wrong profession (run by the people who lack an in-depth understanding of the art and science of the bodily movement sports - football, and the human motivation) "
.....................sg

* Modern coaches need to be/have;

1st. Artist,
2nd. Scientist,
3rd. NLP-Mind Sciences Practitioner
4th. A strong sense of identity and presence - vision, experience, values, beliefs and principles
5th. Sport dynamics-politics.

It is time to be ' honest ' with ourselves......

" Art-Coaching is long. Life-Politics is Short "

Coach Shev Gul - London

BSc, WSCA, NLP MP, A.L. Fellow IOS(cc) ASA GB, Sports Mind Consultant

Breathing Coaching In Sport - A Fresh Perspective

Swimming - Running - Cycling

By Coach Shev Gul - London, March 06. Water World Swim, WWS , USA Newsletter

Summary:

In this paper Coach Shev Gul will be bringing a breath of fresh air to the subject of most effective breathing technique in sport generally, and why the coaching and the medical community continue taking the breathing action for granted? The difference between the ineffective shallow ‘chest breathing’ and the natural diaphragmatic breathing ‘deep breathing’ technique, And since our infant days, how we have lost this nature given ability ` nature`s gift`.

He will be looking in some details (swimming and running contex), at the method of effective breathing technique development, progressive practices and drills designed and developed by Coach Shev Gul for dry land and pool training - workouts. Also he will be touching on some tips; how athletes can instantly refresh and recharge their batteries between the workout repeat sets and before, during and after a race-competition.

He reminds us again that ,

“ Relaxation at high speeds is the most important factor in winning the workouts, races and the Olympic gold medals” JW, GT - Popov.

And ,the only way to achieve it is, by re-learning and re-educating ourselves, our coaches, and our athletes, how to breathe properly, correctly and more efficiently; through the natural Diaphragmatic Breathing ‘deep breathing’ Technique, which will enable athletes to perform even better in training, in races and in their recovery.

Diaphragmatic Breathing Technique - DBT

In sport performance, there is a strong and a natural link between the following four areas of human mind-body system.

Effective Breathing -Technique
Physiology
Internal State
High Performance

Proper and correct breathing technique is central to the ancient practices of Yoga, Qi Gong, Ayunveda and other meditation disciplines. Diaphragmatic ‘deep breathing’ awareness and practices is an important part of training for martial arts practitioners, musicians, vocalists, public speakers, dancers, as well as for the sport athletes too.

All our bodily actions; talking, singing, playing wind instruments, the outward force-power application with our arms and legs; hitting, kicking, pulling, stretching pushing, lifting, throwing etc., is done during the exhalation phase of our breathing process (a martial arts fundamental, for maximum work-power creation and application).

In swimming too, in all four strokes, main work is done during exhalation phase of our breathing process which, must be executed properly, correctly and fully during the swimmer`s arm stroke cycle.

Breathing (correctly exhaling and inhaling) correctly is critical in maintaining the level of oxygen for energy, keeping the correct pH levels in body, and enough carbon dioxide for bodily functions…

Why coaches continue to take breathing for granted?

Because we take breathing for granted, the information on the benefits of diaphragmatic breathing technique (DBT) is not widespread in today`s medical community! Illness and pathology, not wellness - better mindbody performance of an individual or a sport person - are not the priority of most healthcare practitioners!
In addition, things that are free and can`t be patented (like breathing) do not attract funding for research. So, little finds its way into popular medical and sport science research journals. And that`s why, it has escaped the sport research scientific community`s close attention. And, our Olympic coaches pay little or no attention to this `free` bodily function-subject too! (as I have personally discovered during my consultations with numerous top Olympic coaches at various sport conventions).

Shallow ‘Chest Breathing’

Unfortunately we continue living our lives and raising our athletes on a poor diet of shallow ‘chest breathing’ habits.

The good news is that the poor and ineffective breathing habits can be reversed. Among infants, correct breathing comes naturally. Observe a baby as it breathes to see its belly rise and fall with each breath. As we grow older we are thought to ‘suck in that gut’ and ‘puff out that chest’ as we try to look slimmer!

Such resistance to the natural breathing posture will restrict oxygen intake, which can lead to numerous physical as well as emotional problems.

Shallow ‘chest breathing’ invites problems by delivering less air per breath into the lungs. Less air per breath leads to higher number of breaths, putting in motion a series of physiological changes that constrict blood vessels. An imbalance between the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the lungs delivers less oxygen to the brain, the heart and the rest of the body.

Shallow ‘chest breathing’, promotes early fatigue in athletes, effects their rhythm and timing and, as their stroke technique falls apart, inevitably they start losing speed….

Learning the natural Diaphragmatic Breathing Technique is the answer!

Effective breathing technique has a dramatic effect on an athlete`s physiology, his/her internal state (relaxation) and on his/her ultimate performance.

Through the Diaphragmatic Breathing Technique (DBT), one learns how to control the inhalation and the exhalation process of the breathing action.

Proper and correct breathing technique = more energy for the body, more food for the working muscles and better metabolic action at the cellular level.

With natural Diaphragmatic Breathing Technique, our brain (human body`s biggest O2 guzzler!), is supplied and nourished with more oxygen. And, a brain with plenty oxygen will operate and control the physiological functions of the body more efficiently. This will result in the formation of a positive internal state - a relaxed state being induced into the athlete which, in turn will promote a superior performance to be achieved.

Progressive Diaphragmatic Breathing Technique Practises - Dry Land

First, with the help of a trained breathing coach, one has to re-learn again how to use and control the diaphragm movement correctly.

The key to a DB technique is,

On inhalation: Quick and large volume of the air is to be taken in
On Exhalation: A prolonged and evenly discharge of the air is maintained throughout the cycle of the motion being executed. (arm cycle-swimming)

A puffing action at the end of the exhalation phase, will enable the athlete to completely empty his/her air tank - lungs.

Note here; the amount of air being inhaled is always a function of the amount of the air being exhaled.

The DB technique must be learned and developed on the dry land first.
For the breathing process is a naturally occurring, automatic and reflex action.

Therefore, during exercise and sport performance, one does not and should never be thinking about their breathing action.

Below are some progressive DB technique development practices:

Walking Practises

Learning the DB technique first through walking action, is the best way to familiarise the mind and body system, with the timing and the rhythm aspect of the Diaphragmatic Breathing Technique-process.

Unilateral practices.

Breathing in on every second step-stride. LHS and RHS practises. Just before the back feet is about to be lifted off the ground, a quick and large amount of air is taken in (via mouth).

As the same foot moves forward and is about to touch the ground, A long, continuous and even exhalation action via mouth (with a puff at the end) is executed.

Repeat 10 x 6 step-stride cycle

Breathing in on every fourth step-stride. LHS and RHS practise

Bilateral practises.

As above, but breathing in on every 3rd, and 5th step-stride.

Treadmill - Gym Practises

The next phase of progressive dry land practices can be effectively achieved on a treadmill in the gym.

Starting on 3-4 km/hr treadmill speed, and then progressing on to 5, 6, 7 and up to 8 km/hr speeds, the DB technique is practised and consolidated further.

Using Arms (for swimming) - Dry Land Practises

Now, we are moving the practices to the arms (swimming specific).
Simulating -choreographing- arm action corresponding to all four strokes used in swimming, one can further consolidate the learning of Diaphragmatic Breathing Technique.(full details on the sequence of the drills can be obtained from coach Shev Gul, gulshev@aol.com).

In The Pool (for swimming) -fc

The progressive pool practice that can be used by coaches to teach DB technique to their swimmers and athletes can be summarised as follows:

Holding on the rail - one arm
The swimmer`s body on it`s side, extended arm/hand on the rail, face down, the upper arm resting on top hip, legs kicking to maintain floatation.

Swimmer performs -practices DB technique sequence as taught by the coach, trained in the correct breathing method (DBT).

Repeat: 6 times on LHS and RHS each.

Push and Glide (BLV) Swimmer pushes and glides from the wall, in Body Long Vessel (BLV) position.

DB control action is practised with one arm action, over a distance of 10 yards.

Repeat: 6 times practising on RHS and LHS each.

Super Slow Swimming
The next phase of DBT drills are performed while swimming in super slow mode (SSS). Until swimmer becomes fully competent with the technique.

Normal and High Pace Swimming
Finally, swimmer starts incorporating his newly learned DB technique skills in fast swimming modes, until it becomes a reflex action.

Fly, Br, Bk Strokes DB Technique practises.

For full details on the suitable progressive practices for the remaining three strokes, contact Coach Shev, gulshev@aol.com

DBT for sport and general mind-body calming/relaxation - for life!

Breathing coaching for calming the mind and body for:

* Before performance

* After performance - recovery

* Instant relaxation - for life !

is different to that one for exercise and high performance-races.

For more info on the instant mind-body calming techniques, contact Coach Shev Gul: gulshev@aol.com

For further information on Effective Breathing in Sport,

Contact: Coach Shev Gul - London

BSc, ASCA, WSCA, FIOS(cc), NLP Mp, AL, Sportsmind Consultant

E-mail: gulshev@aol.com
Web: www.swimmtech.com

77a Derwent Rd
Palmers Green
London, N13 4QA

Thanking ASCA for its leadership and educational programme support extended to its member coaches.

Dances With Water - Nature

By Coach Shev Gul

Shev Gul

To swim faster, we need to learn how to ‘dance even faster.’ How? Have a closer look at mother nature and you will see the answer. Take a free ride on mother nature’s rhythm train – if you want to get there faster. Pause, listen, feel the pulse, then flow away in harmony with mother nature if you want to reach your destination more relaxed and enlightened!

A training philosophy designed around development of our sensor/neuromechanical skills is the way forward for our sport. We have to teach our swimmers, from a very early age, how to dance with the water, just as we train gymnasts, dancers, and martial artists to dance with gravity. Swimming should be taught as an art in the same way.

In all movement arts, movement is broken down to its smallest precision components, then mastered around body balance by deliberately developing an inner awareness for naturally flowing and rhythmic body movement. Simple, progressive, mindful body movement practice is a key to becoming a great ‘dancer in the water’ and eventually an Olympic champion with superb swimming technique.

As our sport is continuously evolving, we may reap rich rewards if we studied sensor/neuro skills principles and started seeing swimming as an art/sport discipline. We urgently need to develop stroke artists to teach and coach swimming technique. The current desertion levels in our sport are running at nearly 80%. We can arrest this decline by teaching our swimmers at an early age how to dance with water, bringing more fun and enjoyment into our sport without compromising its great competitive spirit.

Perhaps a new Councilman or Maglischo can point the way by writing a new swimming coaches’ handbook about the sensor/neuro aspects of development. A book of this sort can help us ‘dance even faster’ and help move our sport into the fresh waters where MIND, BODY, and NATURE all swim in great harmony at last.

Shev Gul has been teaching and coaching triathletes, novice and advanced swimmers and Masters in London since 1990. He says "If you don’t know how to get a free ride from nature, your swimming is not built on a balanced foundation."

Back top.

By Coach Shev Gul - London, 17th March 05.

STROKE TIMING CORRECTION

Stroke timing improvement for competitive swimmers

In sport, correct timing of the movement is everything.....

Balance, streamlining, body roll/undulation, stroke range, rhythm and relaxation are the stroke fundamentals and qualities we admire in elite swimmers.

Swimmers with great technique also exhibit an excellent tempo, rhythm and timing in their movements.

Technique deficiency or poor technique in competitive swimmers, can be associated with lack of correct stroke timing.

Competitive club swimmers whose progress (PBs) appear to have stalled or `hit the wall ` due to poor technique, can benefit greatly by getting their Stroke Timing reassessed by a qualified and experienced stroke technique specialist coach - i.e, a stroke technician.

Stroke technique deficiency can be put right by studying and analysing the Stroke Timing Characteristics (STC) of the swimmer.

A competitive swimmer with poor Stroke Timing Characteristics will never be able to maintain a good swimming momentum and speed.

In swimming, speed is maintained by preventing and minimising the deceleration of the swimming speed during each stroke cycle. And, this is possible to achieve only with a correct Stroke Timing technique.

Coach Shev Gul has helped many competitive club, national and international swimmers to regain their winning habits, improve PBs and their confidences by closely observing, studying, analysing and correcting the Stroke Timing aspects of their swimming technique.

Below is a brief summary of timing concept relating to all four strokes in swimming.

FC Timing

Arms -

As one hand finishes stroking, the other hand has already commenced the pressing/propelling action.
As the hand is about to enter the water, the under water arm has resumed a 90 deg position and the hand is apprx beneith the swimmers eye/face line.

Breathe -

As the hand enters the water, the head is rolled (with body) to opposite direction for the inhalation.

BK Timing

Arms -

As the hand enters water, for a split second, both arms are submerged beneath the surface.
The recovery arm reaches up to the entry slightly faster than the opposite hand completing the pull/push.
When the recovery arm is above the shoulder line, the under water arm is flexed approx. 90 deg and the hand`s position is in line with the recovery arm.

Breathe -

Inhale through the mouth with the first stroke.Exhale through the mouth with the second stroke.

FLY Timing

Kick -

First down beat kick occurs as the hands enter.
Second down beat kick occurs when the hands are approx. beneath the waist-during push phase.

Breathe -

Swimmer inhales split second before hands exit the water.

Head -

Face re-enter water split seconds before the hands enter.

BRS Timing - (wave type)

Kick -

To maintain a good BRS stroke rhythm (pull-lunge-kick) and the upper body`s forward charge-momentum, kicking starts when the forward lunge is approx. 3/4 through.

Breathe -

Breathe-inhalation taken during the in sweep of hands.

Head -

Head begins raising up with the start of in sweep.
Head re-enters water split second after arm extension.

For Stroke Timing Correction Consultations/Clinics,
contact : coach Shev Gul on tel: 020 8 886 1119.
Email: gulshev@aol.com website: www.swimmtech.com

Sept. 03
By: Coach Shev Gul London

A SUMMARY OF OUR STROKE TECHNIQUE TEACHING SEQUENCE - fc

Your intent: To be relaxed, just curious and in a playful learning mode.

THE ESSENTIAL BODY BALANCE DRILLS - Phase I

The essential balance drills are summarised below. Print a copy for your pool sessions.

1. Kicking in prone position with head in line with spine.

Arms by hips - relaxed. Kicking continuously, movement starts from the hip with
loose ankles. Heels boiling the water!

Objective: When we have the head in the right position (in line with spine), body
will be balanced naturally in the water. And this translates in kicking with less
effort - energy cost reduced.

2. Kicking on back with head in line with spine.

Objective: As in item 1.

3. Rolling like a log

With head fixed, body on side, face looking up - toward ceiling. Roll entire body
around its Long Axis from shoulder to shoulder. Kicking continuously - narrow
but lively kick.

Objective: Teaches you to roll entire body during the stroke cycle, while maintaining
the body balance.
Body roll is vital for swimming power, economy, rhythm and speed.

4. Body balance on side

a) Arms by hips, push and glide on side, looking down and head in line with spine.
b) Ditto, but looking up toward ceiling. Short distances repeats - 10 yards.

Repeat (a) and (b) on the other side too.
Solid, narrow and continuos kicking - always!

Objective: Learning to balance the body on its side.

5. Body Long Vessel (BLV)

As in drill no.3, but with one arm extended. Bring shoulder toward side of the
face/cheek (not face toward shoulder). Keeping the head on the Long Axis - in
line with spine. Repeat the above drill sequence.
Kicking strong, narrow and continuous - Always!

6. Archer`s Arm - Zipping Up and Down

Start body position as in drill no.5, looking up first. Next, turn the head to be looking down. From this position, initiate the recovery of the top arm with elbow leading the way. Thumb brushing along your front top side. With hand, wrist and lower arm all in a straight line. Bring your elbow very gently to a position above your shoulder (Shark Fin position). Then return the arm gently back to its original position.
Take a breath by looking up. Then, look down and keep repeating the above drill sequence.

Objective: Teaching high elbow lead arm recovery, while maintaining a balanced
body position.

POPOV`S KAYAK ARM PRINCIPLES DRILLS - Phase II

Practice always in a relaxed and playful mode.

Over 10 yds.
With a quality kicking action - continuous, lively, relaxed, narrow...

1. BLV (Body Long Vessel).... 5 LHS and 5 RHS repeats

2. Kayak Arm - Freeze Action.... 5 LHS, and 5 RHS, with a 90 deg. under arm
position.
Relaxed over arm high elbow recovery.

3. Hip Rotation/Body Roll..... Take your 1st stroke and glide.
This is your first tasting of engaging
your core power-from Kayak Arm position.
5 LHS and 5 RHS repeats.

4. Take two Strokes and Glide... Execute as above.
Noticing the hip rotation/body roll.
Fast under arm. Enjoy/taste the long glide!
5 LHS and 5 RHS repeats.

5. Continuous Swim...... Breathing on every 2nd stroke.
Relaxed over arm. Fast under arm, 90 deg.
Good hip/body roll.
5 LHS and 5 RHS.

Head steady/fixed , but rolling with torso-body.
Breathing Technique: To be covered in the Phase III drills.

INTEGRATING BREATHING WITH BODY ROLL DRILLS - Phase III

Also learn about the Diaphragm Breathing Technique.

For details see Shev`s website - The Articles Pages.
Logon:www.swimmtech.com

REFLEX & SUBCONSCIOUS SWIMMING DRILLS - Phase IV

For details see our website - Articles Pages.

FEEL CONSOLIDATION DRILLS - Phase V

See Shev for details.

INTEGRATION OF TECHNIQUE INTO PACE/SPEED SWIMMING - Phase VI

Incl. correct threshold and training speeds calculations. i.e. End1, End2, End3
You will learn how to maintain your learnt efficient stroke technique at a higher
speeds too. See below, the Stroke Length (SL) concept.

See Shev for details.

STROKE LENGTH (SL) DRILLS - Phase VII

Distance covered per stroke is your ultimate goal in swimming fast, efficient and economical. i.e. How to keep your stroke rate down while swimming at a faster pace/speed.

See Shev for details.

Shev Gul

Tel: 020 8886 1119
www.swimmtech.com

PS - See our Feedback pages (www.swimmtech.com) to read on how our students
have benefited from our unique method of stroke technique teaching sequence.
Call now to find out more on: Tel. 020 8886 1119 or email us: gulshev@aol.com

Back top.

The Art And Science of Swimming

For Swimmers, Teachers and Coaches

Presented By Coach Shev Gul, BSc, ASCA, Fellow Fistc(cc), ASA - London

Aim: To share learning, exchange experiences, pass-on knowledge, and technical know-how.

(Seminar room)

"Thanking Asca for the inspiration and the light"………..

Heros & Mentors,

Doc Counsilman, F. Carlile, M. Schubert, E. Maglischo, C. Colwin, J Leonard, R. Dilts, G Lozanov…

Quotations (see sg website for some)

Designed to function on the land!…..

What are we really doing in the water?……..

80% of human body made out of water!…..

A. TRAINING CONCEPTS

Based on,

a. Force Creation (resistance promotion!) - 100 years legacy!

b. Resistance Elimination (improved technique)

(video presentation)

Popov`s & Phelp`s Training

B. TECHNIQUE FUNDAMENTALS

"Only Effective And Brain Compatible Teaching-Learning Will Stick!"………..sg

Fun, Multi Sensory, Whole Body, Natural Way……VAKOG

Respecting the Human Brains` Learning Process-Sequence….

a. Subconscious …………………………a. Incompetence
b. Conscious ………………………………b. Incompetence
c. Conscious .………………………………c. Competence
d. Subconscious (reflex) ……………d. Competence

Stroke Technique - Bio Mechanical Fundamentals

· Balance (cb & cg)
· Streamlining (body arrow)
· Roll (glide tall)
· Pulse (ride tall)
· High Elbow (kayak arm)
· Breathing (diaphragmatic and on LA)
· Stroke Length (dps)
· Relaxation (performing in the Zone - breathing rhythm)
· Sportsmind (mental skills)

C. AXIS BASED TECHNIQUE TRAINING CONCEPT

Developed by Coach Shev Gul - SM for training and competition-see sg article

SM-Short Medley Concept (by sg)

FC , BK Long Axis Strokes
FLY, BRS Short Axis Strokes

D. CHOREOGRAPHY - DRY LAND STROKE DEMONSTRATION

"If we could say it, we wouldn`t have to dance it"

"Best way to explain is to do it"

"Brain is an image processor not a word processor"

" If it does not move, it won`t groove"

For all four strokes.- poolside

(Pool Demo)

E. TEACHING STROKE TECHNIQUE SEQUENCE

"If you don`t know how to get a free ride from water, your swimming is not
built on a balanced foundation"…………………….. sg-dances with water,TI.03

Fc, Bk, Fly, Brs

Phases: I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII (see sg website for some)

All Stroke Technique skills built around the "Balance" concept.

See article; "Dances With Water".....sg

F . BREATHING CONTROL FUNDAMENTALS - TECHNIQUE

"Breath control fundamentals more important than mechanics and frequency of breathing"…..sg

"Like singers and musicians, swimmers should be thought first about breath control technique…cc

"Ghost-like glide swimming only possible with an efficient breathing technique"………………….cc

* In swimming relaxation = efficient breathing technique (is this what Popov talks about?)

* Respiratory System muscles (Do you know about the muscles involved)?

* Diaphragmatic Breathing V Inter-Coastal Breathing (Do you know the difference)?

* Breathing -exhalation and inhalation- for Fc, Bk, Fly, and BrS

* Olympic champions, Phelps and Thomson breathe on every stroke

* Balance, Streamlining, Body Roll/Pulsing, Arm Timing, SL and Effective
Propulsion; all depend on good breathing technique -breath control

* How to make breathing action in swimming automatic-like reflex land breathing

* Special practices for breath capacity and breath control development

* Breathing techniques for different speeds and paces

G.CREATIVE AND IMAGINITIVE DRILLS FOR TECHNIQUE TRAINING

"Stimulating and meaningful drills make perfect strokes"…………..sg

Different drills for different ability/stroke groups

H. INTELLIGENT COACHING - SMART TRAINING

"Prescriptive teaching and coaching will never stay- stick"…………sg

a. It is all about,

Empowering swimmers
Passing on the toolbox
Helping knowledge ownership

b. Training Program Priorities

Technique (1st) - Resistance Elimination (v, r2, e3)
Body Strength - Core Power
Energy Metabolism Systems - Aerobic, Aneorobic, ATP-CP
Muscular Strength (ST, FT)
Dry Land - Flexibility
Sportsmind Skills
Diet
Social, Family, Personal, Leisure, Life Style

c. Axis Based Training - Technique Development (sg)

d. Stroke Timing Characteristics (STC) (sg)

e. Monitoring (T-30)

f. Evaluation

g. Consolidate Learning (experience, knowledge, wisdom, revaluate, redesign)

h. Share, Exchange Experience and Pass-on the Knowledge Flame….

I. EFFECTIVE LEARNING STRATEGIES

Methods and Techniques

"How to learn is more important than what to learn"……………A.L fundamental

· Learning Planning
· Mind-Body Preparation
· Learning Techniques- Hot Tips!
· Making Learning Permanent
· Revision Techniques (goodbye to exam blues!)

J. ENERGY TRAINING CONCEPTS

Adaptation, Adaptation, Adaptation, adaptation ………..

Planning for the training of energy-metabolic systems

Aerobic O2 Capacity&Endurance - End1, Threshold, End2
Glycolysis
Lactic Acid Anaerobic Capacity&Endurance - Power- Spr1, Spr2, Spr3)
ATP-CP

Motor Nerve
Neuromuscular
Muscle Fibre - ST, FT

K. PLANNING AND DESIGNING TRAINING PROGRAMS

"The races are won and lost in training sessions "…………………sg

Intelligent and Creative Training Planning

Yearly
Quarterly
Monthly
Weekly
Daily
Hourly
Minutes
Seconds (time is precious!)

L. SPORTSMIND SKILLS - MENTAL SKILLS

"In sport, sportsmind skills will always have the cutting Edge"……………sg

"Show the athletes how to win their inner game too"………………………. ...sg

"Sport sparks and stimulates creativity, RB/LB in harmony"………………….sg

NLP and A.L. Methods and Techniques

Neuro Linguistic Programming in Sport
Accelerated Learning in Sport

Relaxation and Mind Calming Techniques
Mental Rehearsal Techniques
Self Motivation Strategies
Cocentration and Focusing
Goal Achievement Strategies
Desired Performance Script
Mental Toughness-Thinking Strategies
Emotional State Mastery
Coping with Distractions and Anxiety
Post Performance Strategies

M. TEACHERS AND COACHES DEVELOPMENT

Education, Education, Education….

Learning, Learning, Learning……..

Knowledge Sharing, Knowledge Sharing, Knowledge Sharing……

Empowering, Empowering, Empowering……………..

N. DISIGNING A SWIMMING EXCELLENCE PROGRAMME

How does it look like?

A-Z Designing Swimming Excellence Programmes for Clubs

Note- The above is an outline only of each section to be covered in greater depth

By Coach Shev Gul,
BSc, ASA, Fellow Fistc(cc), ASCA, Nlp-Mp

London, 05.
Tel. 00 44 020 8886 1119
gulshev@aol.com
www.swimmtech.com

Similar workshop presentation done for UNILEVER Plc- Liverpool HQ

The Art And Science of Swimming
Contd/.

BREATHING CONTROL FUNDAMENTALS - TECHNIQUE

"Breath control fundamentals more important than mechanics and frequency of breathing"…..sg

"Like singers and musicians, swimmers should be thought first about breath control technique…cc

"Ghost-like glide swimming only possible with an efficient breathing technique"………………….cc

* In swimming relaxation = efficient breathing technique (is this what Popov talks about?)

* Respiratory System muscles (Do you know about the muscles involved)?

* Diaphragmatic Breathing V Inter-Coastal Breathing (Do you know the difference)?

* Breathing -exhalation and inhalation- for Fc, Bk, Fly, and BrS

* Olympic champions, Phelps and Thomson breathe on every stroke

* Balance, Streamlining, Body Roll/Pulsing, Arm Timing, SL and Effective
Propulsion; all depend on good breathing technique -breath control

* How to make breathing action in swimming automatic-like reflex land breathing

* Special practices for breath capacity and breath control development

* Breathing techniques for different speeds and paces

For more info and clinics on Breath Control Fundamentals

Contact: Coach Shev Gul, Tel- 00 44 20 8886 1119
gulshev@aol.com, www.swimmtech.com

INTEGRATING BREATHING WITH BODY ROLL (Core Power) - fc

Here is a brief summary of tips and drills on, how to incorporate the breathing technique into ones body roll (core power).

Normally, if the swimmer is totally streamlined and has mastered the essential balance drills well, one does not need to worry about their breathing technique too much.
Why?
As the body travels through the water with head leading the way, a bow wave is created naturally around the swimmers face. As long as the head remains on the Long Axis (LA) position, there is enough air space generated in front of the swimmers` face/mouth