Product Description
In Breakthrough Swimming, legendary swimming coach and historian Cecil Colwin describes how competitive swimmers of the modern era—such as swimming giants Ian Thorpe and Grant Hackett—apply innovative training methods and stroke techniques to set new standards of performance.

All four strokes as well as starts and turns are presented in thorough detail in Colwin’s easy-to-grasp instructional style. Not only will you gain a greater understanding of competitive swimming through its origins and evolution, but you’ll also learn these skills:

• Improve stroke technique, starts, and turns.

• Develop a better training program and understand the principles of training.

• Apply the latest research in hydrodynamics and the propulsive mechanisms of speed swimming to create ultimate speed through the water.

• Coach the “feel” of the water to help swimmers detect and manipulate the water flow with ever-increasing dexterity.

Internationally acclaimed sport physiologist Dr. David Pyne, recipient of the Australian Sports Medal for his work with that country’s Olympic swimming team, contributed a special chapter to the book. Pyne covers all phases of modern training, from physiological testing and monitoring to race preparation and post competition analysis.

The engaging book also offers an inside look at how the sport has evolved, especially in recent years, with the advent of professional swimming and the growing specter of performance-enhancing drugs. Combining the latest technical innovations with a revealing historical context, Breakthrough Swimming is the definitive work on the past, present, and future of competitive swimming. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Not for beginners or intermediate swimmers
I swim a mile every morning and was looking for the proverbial breakthrough. This book was not it. The historical development of the various strokes (first part of book) did not get me any closer to a breakthrough, nor did the last part which is dedicated to historical statistics.

Illustrations are not helpful; the few pictures (all black and white) are in no way instructive. Training routines are all in jargon that is not explained.

If you want a breakthrough I highly recommend the Go Swim DVDs. This book is of little use.

Outstanding, Amazing
I am one of those swimmers Mr Colwin talks about; natural, skilled, elite. Call it what you will, I swim easily and fast. Fast enough to win the Olympics (Tokyo, 1964, 400 IM)

This book is astounding in its breadth and depth of knowledge. If you are at all serious about swimming for speed or enjoyment you need to read this work. The first and second chapters on stroke development and recent breakthroughs would be enough to make this book a classic,

The fluid dynamics section is excellent, a good thing to know in your mind. But far more valuable to me is the chapter about feeling the water. Here we dive into the heart of the matter. The more talented swimmers feel the water more. You can swim most efficiently when you can tell when the water is most ready to pull against. I stand in awe of Colvin's ability to explain an intuitive process that leaves me blubbering for words.

All of us who love the water owe Cecil Colwin a deep and sincere thank you.

An Essential Swimming Book
In "Breakthrough Swimming", Cecil Colwin has done a fantastic job in bringing together the thoughts, techniques and advice of many famous and successful coaches and their swimmers from all over the world.Of particular interest are the changes in techniques over the years and the preparation of today's star swimmers.Also of great interest was the comparison and use of scientific principles in assisting in streamlining the body and optimising the use of energy and strength to gain more speed.
As a past competitive swimmer, this book is a "must" for anyone with an interest in this great sport.It is a book where you need to have your own copy so you can read and re-read it from time to time as well as use it as a reference guide.
A real "winner" from Cecil Colwin !

History, Hydrodynamics and Training
The average swimming book prescribes stroke techniques, then offers a sample training routine.In 'Breakthrough Swimming', Cecil Colwin sets his stroke and training advice amid much firm background and some speculative discussion.Coach Colwin covers three subjects: History, Hydrodynamics and Training.

The history is broken into two parts which begin and end the book. The first is a history of swim technique (sidestroke, trudgen, overarm, etc.) which leads to a description of the four current strokes.As in Swimming Dynamics, he illustrates a "typical" way of swimming each stroke even though he admits a wide range of technique possibilities.(Colwin is an excellent draughtsman, but there seems to be a drawing error:In the text and in his side view drawings of the crawl, he describes a full body rotation of 35 - 45 degrees each way as desirable.His front view, however, shows the swimmer almost dead flat throughout the crawl.)

Continuing the exploration of hydrodynamics that he began in Swimming Dynamics, Colwin discusses the bow wave, lift, his vortex-shedding theories of propulsion, strategies of streamlining, using the hands to direct the water and many other ideas.

In covering training, Colwin (and Pyne) offer the usual ideas of aerobic vs anaerobic, interval vs distance, etc.I find myself thinking of his section, "Development of the Will to Overcome Fatigue," as I swim.I realize that I have rarely reached Hurt, much less Agony or Pain since high school (at least not in the pool).

The book ends with a history of competition that discusses rule changes, better pools, the World Cup tour (he's not impressed), national team vs club-based coaching, a chronicle of doping, fistgloves, the problems with bodysuits, a ranking of the stars of the 20th century and a look forward.

I definitely found the book worth reading.

An absolute "must"for past and present swimmers .
This is a really wonderful book with an in-depth insight into the latest techniques and training methods, encompassing a collection of successful techniques from numerous very famous coaches from all over the world. Some of the most fascinating aspects of this book are the application of modern day scientific principles to make swimmers go faster and become more streamlined and effective in the water.Not only is this an excellent read, but it is a book to be kept and re-read from time to time by anyone interested in swimming. As a former competitive swimmer, this is certainly the best ever book I have read on a great sport. You definitely need your own copy ! ... Read more

Product Description
The swimming programs developed by the Australian organization AUSTSWIM are highly respected worldwide. Now, with Human Kinetics’ release of this international edition of Teaching Swimming and Water Safety, you can follow AUSTSWIM’s program for teaching children swimming and water safety. These aquatic education experts will teach you how to

• implement important safety procedures;

• use a variety of effective water familiarization techniques;

• develop floating, propulsion, and deep water skills;

• introduce diving; and

• teach and refine the six common strokes: freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, sidestroke, and survival backstroke.

Highly illustrated and easy to follow, Teaching Swimming and Water Safety gives you valuable information on how to safely and effectively teach young swimmers important beginning swimming and water safety skills. Teaching hints and skills processes are included to help you answer questions that come up along the way—it’s a resource you will want to refer to again and again. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Highly recommended for swimming instructors
The book is very well structured, very clear and very rich illustrated with nice and clear pictures.
Kind of basic but that's its intention.
Highly recommended for swimming instructors.
Good as reference too. ... Read more

Product Description
Improve your fitness level, achieve your swimming goals, and maximize your workouts with the help of four-time Olympic gold medalist Janet Evans!

Whether you have been swimming laps for years, want to get back into the water, or have a competitive streak for masters meets or triathlons, Janet Evans' Total Swimming has you covered.

A total of 60 workouts and 12 progressive programs allow you to tailor your swim sessions by distance, intensity, and goal. The gold-medal information also details proper stroke technique, advantages of various gear, concepts such as interval sets and training phases, and making each workout more productive by stretching, building core strength, warming up, and cooling down.

So dive into Janet Evans' Total Swimming and begin training with one of swimming's all-time legends. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Good Book for Pros
If you train at least 1.5 hours/day, this book is for you. Most of the book is on workouts.

Swimming in competition is not easy
A good book about how to improve your own swimming and coaching methods. It never hurts to see how others develop. A good example is always a good teaching tool.

Delivers
I took up swimming recently, and went through a stack of swimming books - this one offersthe best overview (equipment, routine, strokes) -and workout schedule of any book I read, with specific advice on a number of topics -fromwhat sort of swimsuit to get to advanced workouts.

The book feels both personal - like you're getting advice directly from people who suceeded - without tying you down to one approach that might not be right for you - swimming is very nuanced and personal.

I have found the books published by human kinetics to be sports reference books out there.

A compjlete course
This is a great book for someone who already knows how to swim but wants to be a better swimmer.Maybe this book will make you a great swimmer.Her explanations are very down to earth so they are actually useful.I'm sure most swimmers don't have a PhD in hydrodynamics so why do some books write like that?This avoids those traps.She does a fantastic job at breaking down the strokes and what drills to use to improve parts of each stroke.She is also quite honest with the time and dedication it takes to be the best.You'll know if you're really trying!Also refreshing are these little fact boxes that discuss a side point to the text.You feel like you're standing next to Evans and overhearing her coversation.Good stuff.

A great swimming book
I find Evans book a very good and practical one. It doesn't go into the details of swimming propulsion, lift forces, drag forces, vortex propulsion and all the other stuff, that quite frankly never helped me much.

From the basics or swimming essentials all the way to the programs, it is an extremely good book and a great read.If you don't have a coach, this book is a MUST.

I really like the "Programs". You can see and feel they are written in great detail and expertise ...well by Janet Evans!!! Thank you Janet.

I highly recommend this book to any swimmer. ... Read more

Product Description
From more powerful strokes to quicker turns, propel yourself to improved times with Complete Conditioning for Swimming.

This multidimensional training program uses fitness assessments to tailor strength, endurance, and flexibility exercises to each swimmer's individual needs.

Dave Salo, coach of Olympic medalists Lenny Krayzelburg, Aaron Peirsol, Amanda Beard, and Jason Lezak, and Scott A. Riewald, performance specialist for the U.S. Olympic Committee, have teamed up to create a comprehensive program that provides you with the following tools to improve your times:

• Exercises and drills for each stroke
• Event-based workouts and programs
• Dryland training
• Tapering for peak performance
• Year-round conditioning plans
• Nutrition before, during, and after swim meets

Customer Reviews (10)

Truly great book
This book has everything you need to get stronger as a swimmer, specific exercises for each stroke etc

exactly what I was looking for--excellent information
The training techniques are very cutting-edge, and I love the way the information is organized.Modules are organized by target area (core, etc) with beginner, intermediate, and advanced techniques.An extremely useful book/dvd.Great for the serious swimmer.

Bring Dryland to the Pool
The book has some excellent pieces of information about dryland training. The parts which were a necessity with my swimmers were the rotator cuff prevention strategies. As an ASCA Level III swim coach and an NSCA-CSCS I find myself gaining new ideas from this book.

Don't think it's ONLY about dryland. There are some strength and power building exercises that the author advocates bringing to the pool. For example, using a medicine ball, or elastic tubing in the water to generate power through a specific range of motion for the stroke or for the core.

The DVD was an excellent addition to the book, and many of the exercises are shown in standard form. Variations of the exercises for more difficulty or simplicity are also added throughout the book. The author does not give you a set workout plan, so if you are new to periodizing I would suggest: "Championship Swim Training" by Bill Sweetenham. The book does not go into detail about sprint vs. middle vs. distance training methodology. I think I was expecting a little more info on that.

But if you are a swimmer, a swim coach, a strength trainer, of a sports conditioner who's involved with a population of athletes who swim, I would suggest buying this book and using it as a reference and incorporating some of the things into your programming.

A fantastic book
I coach high school swimming and we've been building our dryland program for a few years. This book has really focused our work and I'm looking forward for some big results this winter.

Excelent guide
I'm a masters swimmer inspired by Dara Torres. This book provides a smart and thorough approach to swim conditioning. It helps you to identify weak areas and includes great exercises (for in and out of the pool). ... Read more

Product Description
Want more from your workout? Whether you seek to improve your technique, trim your times, swim greater distances, or simply improve your fitness level, Fitness Swimming will help you achieve your goals, all in full-color.

Expert swim coach Emmett Hines has created 60 new workouts and 16 sample programs, each arranged into suggested training zones to correspond to your fitness level and performance goals. Over a dozen cutting-edge technique drills help you progressively build an effective freestyle stroke. The text covers stretching, warm-up and cool-down methods, heart rate zone targets, expanded instruction for stroke efficacy, progressive drills, conditioning tips, and fitness assessments. Fitness Swimming has all the information you need to chart progress and maintain peak performance. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (36)

great book for those wanting to move beyuond casual swimming
great book for someone looking to improve beyond a casual swimmer. good instruction and many greqat drills.

My number 1 swimming book.
I decided to start swimming as my sole fitness exercise. I swam as a kid and was certified as a lifeguard, but had never really learned the strokes as well as those swimmers I have seen swimming for clubs. As usual, I wanted to learn as much as possible before I started working out.So, I bought at least 20 books on swimming.Then I dived into the books.I noticed that after a couple of weeks of reading, I was always coming back to one book, Coach Hines' Fitness Swimming.I now have 2 copies of this book.One is a backup.

The book is well organized and provides a wealth of information paced just right.It was nice that it started off providing the basics for people like me who have never participated in swimming for fitness/sport.Knowing that it describes more advanced drills/levels means I can use it as I improve.Additionally, it provides very clear instructions on each of the drills.Combined with numerous superb illustrations I found it very easy to understand what the proper drill/swim should look/feel like.I thoroughly love the focus points (red dot, buoy pressure, side skating, etc.).They provide good guideposts during a drill and reinforce proper execution.It's like having a coach in your head while you swim.

I was somewhat worried before I started reading any of the books about the best way to combine the myriad drills.So, this book, by breaking the drills down into levels within a workout schedule, provides a great structure.

Great book Coach Hines!!!Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.I'm looking forward to your books on backstroke, breaststroke, and fly (if possible).

-Dave Hallman

swimming training
Good book for the advanced swimmer who is looking for tips in general and clear modern training programmes.

Outstanding!!!
I purchased Fitness Swimming 3 months ago and it has already made a HUGE difference in my swimming (e.g.improved technique and application in the water)I began swimming last year and took one-on-one lessons.As is often the case, good intentions (from both the instructor who had not read Fitness Swimming and learner) do not translate into good results.I took another series of lessons from another instructor last fall and continued to build poor habits.Fitness Swimming got me back on the right track, established 'good' habits, and my swimming has improved dramatically. In addition to one the most thoughtful, organized and well written books which I have ever read - and I read a lot - this book is truly outstanding.I rarely right reviews on this site; however, I am confident that you will not be disappointed in your purchase of this wonderful book.

great book but not for
This is a well written very well thought out book. Not only is it informative you learn how to think about swimming and training in a very productive manner .
This is not light reading but if you want to swim well and to do so for many many years then technique is critical. While this does not replace getting a real coach it does help you understand the process of becoming a fit swimmer that has proper form.
My only mistake was getting this on Kindle and I wish that there was a webpage with some printable tables and forms to help me design the workout . Going back and forth on the Kindle is a pain .
Nevertheless I am so taken by the writer that I plan on getting a copy of the book so I can crack it open and take notes .
Sitting on the shelf this book will not help you but if you read it and work with the materiel it is very very productive piece of work ,
Swimming , like Yoga, will sustain you for years so invest the time money and effort get the book and apply yourself to the practice .
Well written , well planned well worth it ... Read more

Product Description
Improve your times by improving your technique! Whether you are a competitive swimmer, coach, triathlete, or dedicated fitness enthusiast, The Swimming Drill Book will propel you to better results by maximizing efficiency in the water.

With 128 highly effective drills, expert instruction, and more than 375 detailed illustrations, this comprehensive resource will help to improve every facet of your swimming.

Establish a greater sense of balance and position in the water; maintain perfect form for the freestyle, backstroke,breaststroke, and butterfly; and master the techniques for starts, turns, and finishes. Use the drills individually or create a personalized program based on your goals and fitness level. Either way, the tools you need are within your grasp.

Dive into The Swimming Drill Book and see fast results! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Good Book for the Basics
As other readers said, this is a good book for basic fundamentals. But nothing beyond that. It is good to read it.

I'd have given a 4 rating, but the illustrations/drawings are bad. I prefer good photos. But time to cut down cost....

Ok, Not great but ok
Shows good drills, but nothing spectacular, Most Coaches with experiance will know all of them in the book.It is written more to the swimmer than the coach, which gets annoying after a while.The drills tend to be more geared to people just learning to swim competitivly than the more nit picking fixs for strokes that I was looking for.However for my JR. Team, I have been using the book and my assistant that tends to coach them and has just started coaching has used it So For beginners, its fine, but if you are looking for more advansed drills, look else where

For drill swimming
I purchased this book thinking it would help me with my adult learn-to-swim classes.It did in a round about way.I would purchase this book only if your into drill swimming and need help with the basics.

GREAT BOOK
THIS IS A GREAT BOOK TO ASSIST THE BEGINNER TO ADVANCED SWIMMER. FANTASTIC FOR THE SWIM TEAM STUDENT TRYING TO IMPROVE STROKE PERFORMANCE.

Swimming Drills for technique improvement that worksfor you
The Swimming Drill Book
This book is well written and illustrated.There are easy to practise drills wich state 1) the purpose of the drill, 2) the procedure to follow and 3) the focus points to concentrate on to achieve body position. The author has covered the four swimming strokes, the starts, turns and finishes in an easy to cognitively assimulate style of writing. Overall if you wish to improve your swimming strokes the practise drills in this book will aid your endevours, all you need is to practise, practise and then practise. ... Read more

Product Description
Pathways to better swimming for recreational and lap swimmers, triathletes and other competitors.Forward by Donna de Varona ... Read more

Product Description
The Rookie Coaches Swimming Guide covers all of the fundamentals of coaching and swimming in a concise style that's tailor-made for the novice youth swimming coach.

The book provides important coaching principles: developing a coaching philosophy, reinforcing kids positively, teaching skills, planning practices, preventing and caring for injuries, and addressing liability concerns. No other resource offers such a unique blend of coaching and youth swimming information. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

For Rookie Coaches of Novice Swimmers
I bought this book for my 13 year old son who will be a junior coach for his summer league team this summer.It will be his first time coaching, and even though he is a year-round competitive swimmer, this book is perfect for him.While it is written for the parent volunteer coach it is also perfect for any first time coach - regardless of age and regardless of their swimming knowledge.

The section on communication is insightful and outlines quite a few tools for teaching a skill to novice swimmers - tools that can be used for teaching children just about anything.The gifted and experienced educator might think of these things as second nature but anyone new to coaching needs to think about how to go about it and this book provides that information.

When reading about how to constructively criticize and encourage young swimmers my son exclaimed,"Hey, that's exactly what my coach does!"

The sections on planning and safety are thoughtful and thorough.The drills and skills outlined in the book are the basics and those that every coach goes back to time and again.The sample practice outline is perhaps a little ambitious for the average summer league team with too little time in the pool, but it is a good outline and can easily be adapted to the limits of shorter practice times.

The down side:The section on Conduct of a Meet is so basic that if you don't already know it, you really shouldn't be coaching a swim team.

One thing missing that would be helpful is a primer on how to seed a dual meet.

The book is exactly what the product description claims: A guide for the first time coach of novice swimmers.I reccomend it to anyone new to coaching swimming.

Good forsummerswimteams
I did notrealize from the description that the book was aimed at summer teams and people who know very little about swimming.It is a goodbeginning book but was not particularly helpful to me as I wanted information for a high schoolteam.

Now I know what to do!
I've just started co-coaching a small club in Kinsale, Co. Cork. I'm a competitive swimmer and knew what I wanted to get across, but not how. John Leonard's book has really made a difference. I'm now structuring sessionsin a useful way and I know I'm communicating better with the swimmers. Ishall be introducing his suggestions about setting objectives and using abulletin board when we start training again after Easter. I'm confidentthat my swimmers will benefit.Thanks John. ... Read more

Product Description
See how to achieve stronger starts, more explosive turns, and faster times! Swimming Anatomy will show you how to improve your performance by increasing muscle strength and optimizing the efficiency of every stroke.

Swimming Anatomy includes 74 of the most effective swimming exercises, each with step-by-step descriptions and full-color anatomical illustrations highlighting the primary muscles in action.

Swimming Anatomy goes beyond exercises by placing you on the starting block, in the water, and into the throes of competition. Illustrations of the active muscles for starts, turns, and the four competitive strokes (freestyle, breaststroke, butterfly, and backstroke) show you how each exercise is fundamentally linked to swimming performance.

You'll also learn how exercises can be modified to target specific areas, improve your form in the water, and minimize common swimming injuries. Best of all, you'll learn how to put it all together to develop a training program based on your individual needs and goals.

Whether you are training for a 50-meter freestyle race or the open-water stage of a triathlon, Swimming Anatomy will ensure you enter the water prepared to achieve every performance goal. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Strength Training, Not About Swimming Technique
I was looking in Swimming Anatomy for help with swimming technique, but what I found were strength training exercises for swimmers. If that is what you are looking for, then this is perfect. The illustrations are fantastic. I've already begun incorporating some of the exercises into my training regimen.

What I really like is that the book doesn't just tell you the exercises you ought to be doing, but gives safety tips, some of which I could have used years ago when I first began training. I wish the book had talked more about how to improve technique as well.

Swimming Anatomy
It is a great book,as for beginners as for elite swimmers. Excellent pictures and perfect explanations provide great possibilities to schedule and plan workouts not only at gym, but also at any dryland activities

Fabulous addition to dry land training for all levels of swimmers
As a U.S. Master swimmer, I'm always looking for ways to improve my times.This book is awesome with the examples of dry land training to accompany your swim workouts. I even bought one for my favorite coach! It lists the exact muscles used for each stroke and suggestions for dry land training to strengthen those muscles and the opposing muscles for balance too. It is a must for all swimmers.

excellent book for allSwimming
Swimming Anatomy is well written and easy to follow for me, a physical therapist, and the clients I work with.There are sections that cover all strokes, specific strokes, and general information.Of the most help, are sections that point out where cheating can occur for the swimmer.These have been helpful for me to share with my son, a swimmer, to help him be his best.In summary, well worth it for the swimmer and professionals.

Must have for coaches, trainers, and swimmers!
Ok swim coaches, go ahead and buy this book.The description of the exercises is good, the anatomical diagrams of the muscles worked in each exercise, and how it relates to swimming is worth every dime this book costs.

I've read weight lifting books for swimmers, and they are usually generic in content, or they are written by coaches who don't explain the "why's".

I've got a former swimmer who consults this book before every session in the gym; her personal trainer saw the book and ordered one for his center.Use the "Look Inside" feature here on Amazon, and the content will impress you.

Coaches should coach, and by that they should be able to explain the "why's" of what they want the kids to do, too many coaches abdicate that role of teacher.If you get the athlete to buy into what they are doing and why they are doing it, they have longer term success.This book will help take a step towards that goal of being a better coach.
... Read more

Product Description
Trim seconds off your time, train more efficiently, or simply maximize your fitness workouts with Mastering Swimming.

Renowned coaches Jim Montgomery and Mo Chambers have teamed up to create the ultimate swimming guide for masters athletes. Swimmers aged 18 to 120 will benefit from a targeted approach that covers these essentials:

• Stroke instruction and refinement for freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, and butterfly
• Workout plans for fitness and competition
• Training for open-water swimming and triathlon
• Second-saving starts and turns

Customer Reviews (10)

Useful for beginners
Pro: Nice and easy to go through
Con: Mainly focusing on amateurish swimming. Lacks the physiological facts.

The book is well written and well organized. One can go through the book easily and focus on the interesting paragraphs. However, as an ex swimmer, I found this book a bit too shallow.
I gave it to a friend of mind that has just started swimming, and bought "the new science of swimming (Counsilman)" instead (Which is more appropriate).New Science of Swimming, The (2nd Edition)

Very Good General Swimming Book
This is one of the few swimming books that I rated high. Although this is for masters athletes, but it is a general book. It is full of helpful hints and is deeper and more complete than most of the other books.

A good general book to keep.

For newer Master's swimmers
I have a fair amount of swimming experience from swimming in high school and college and a few seasons of masters.I was hoping that this book would help me get into the fastest heats at master's events and help me refine my swimming technique and conditioning.As I read it, I realized it's more geared to less experienced swimmers, maybe a triathlete who knows how to swim but not how to train or compete or someone with a little less competitive background who needs stroke refinement.I think the book is well written and a good choice for swimmers in those categories, but I didn't find it very helpful.At the same time, I purchased "Swimming Fastest" and "Complete Conditioning for Swimming". The "Complete Conditioning..." book is much more helpful for more advanced swimmers and I immediately began finding useful tips even within the first few pages. "Swimming Fastest" will be a harder read (even harder to transport around, it's like a text book) I've read the earlier versions of this book, so I know it will be helpful and more technical.

Worth much more than the price
I was a competitive swimmer as a kid, and now I've returned to the pool after more than 25 years to try to become a competitive masters swimmer.

The basics came back like riding a bicycle (except for the butterfly, which I couldn't remember how to do at all) but a lot has changed over the years, and my technique was clearly rusty.

I don't have a coach, doing it on my own, and this book has been a tremendous help... and I'm not even done with it!

The tips on a proper catch, and their little listening trick to correct hand entry, took 2 full strokes off my pool length in freestyle, for example.

This week I used their 4 phase method for learning butterfly to teach myself the stroke, and did my first pool lengths in fly.I'm looking forward to using their other tips to refine the stroke and start adding it into my regular workout.

This is just a tremendous book.Easy to read and follow.

I strongly recommend it for anyone starting out, or making the transition from fitness swimming to competition, or returning to the water after a long time away.

Definitely worth many times the cover price.

excellent
This book is great and informative even for a beginner swimmer like me. I especially like the chapter 3 on "develop your water sense" that really helped me overcome the fear of water. The step by step teaching method makes it easy to understand and to practice. I now join a local master swimming program as the book suggested. I soon plan to compete in a local triathlon. ... Read more

Product Description
Author Penny Lee Dean, a swimming legend and world-record holder in 13 events, shares her unique knowledge of racing and solo swims in Open Water Swimming. From innovative stroke techniques to navigation strategies, Dean’s insights are invaluable to long-distance swimmers, marathon swimmers, triathletes, and their coaches.

Open Water Swimming features

• 13 stretches for increased flexibility and smooth stroke technique,

• 16 practice drills for improved form, and

• 43 different workouts for greater endurance.

Whether you’re a beginner-level open water swimmer or you’re about to brave the English Channel—which Dean swam in world-record time—Open Water Swimming provides the conditioning plans, event profiles, and mental training techniques you need to succeed. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

very good book
very good book, written by one of the most famous open water swimmers. she explains everything.
i would like a more detailed chapter about nutrition.
I am very satisfied.

An excellent book
An excellent book either for beginner or advanced open water swimmers. This book cover all itens since preparation, trainning up to the day of competition. The book presents trainning for short and long distance for your better preparation. Easy and funny to read, this book still describes real stories (some of them motivational) of long distance competitions, like English Channel.

Open-Water Swimming for Dummies
Good book for beginners and newbies.More of a technical manual, than a story.

Open water coach
I used the book to prepare for my first open water 2,000 metre race off the beach last year. Its well written, interesting, full of tips and easy to read - it certainly helped me become a better and more confident open water swimming and would recommend it to all us amateur open water enthusiasts!

Useful for the beginner open water swimmer
I started Open Water Swimming two years and quickly came across this book in my hunt for more information. At the time I found this to be helpful in some areas, given the almost complete lack of information on Open Water.
It may be more helpful to Tri-athletes but in retrospect with a few years long distance swimming behind me, but I think that it is somewhat shallow, no pun intended.
At the time of reading, I was starting swimming and training by myself (and still am mostly),and many of my questions were about how to move up from 1/2 mile to mile pool swims to longer sea distances. I did not find this particularly useful in this regard and I thought it's section on training was too brief, with too much emphasis on stroke.
For the specifics of Open Water swimming it meeds more emphasis on training plans & recovery, acclimatisation and habituation, goal-setting, and more specific information on some of the features of river and open sea, (jellies, flora & fauna, currents, surface topography, weather, course setting, etc). ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Gift
This was a gift but the young man that received it has not let the book down and discovered things that have improved his swimming.
DD

Perfect swimming techniques
This book provides a wealth of technique information & helped me to progress from being a very average swimmer, having not set foot in a pool for ten years, to having the confidence to compete in a national carnivalwithin just six months. This book inspires confidence and provides simpleto follow techniques that really do work and will give you a stylish strokeand kick for life. I couldn't recommend this book more strongly, both toswimmers who are just starting out, as well as to older swimmers who arebuilding up courage to reenter the swimming circuit.

The Book to Improve With
As a swimmer i know it is hard to find the right book to improve your stroke.This book did just that for me.This book has the right technics that exceptionaly improved my stroke. If you are looking to improve yourstroke this is the book to read.There are many other books on the marketthat are also very good but, this book tops the charts. I recomend thisbook to swimmers of all ages thought it might be harder for youngerchildren under 10 to comprehend with. And in conclusion i will say thisbook is the way to go when improving technics and getting out the quirks inyour strokes. ... Read more

Product Description
A progressive program for those who want to learn to swim, as well as for swimmers at every level. Katz explains how to swim in detail and offers drills to improve stroke techniques, tops on improving starts and turns, and a series of progressive workouts designed to increase the athlete's strength and stamina. Line drawings throughout. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Should be called "Swimming for the Rest of Us"
A good book for those who have no idea what they are doing in the pool.Progresses nicely into the different skills needed to be a basic swimmer.Most important thing is to practice, practice, and more practice. One thing I wished this book had more of was detailed illustrations.When I was learning the crawl/freestyle stroke, my progress was slowed because the illustrations sometimes didn't match the words.I recommend using this book along with videos and illustrations available on the internet.With this combination, I quickly learned the crawl stroke.Pick up this book if you want to learn how to swim!

Very helpful
Although some of the information is outdated, I liked this book very much.Dr. Katz explains the techniques well.For me, it has been a great encouragement to improve my swimming.

Great for beginner triathletes :)
I need to re-read this book about 5 more times! I tend to swim "my own way" like many others, so I miss out on speed and efficiency often. I only started really swimming a few years ago, and I'm in my late 30's!
I really needed the basics on breaststroke and count on being able to do an efficient breaststoke as a beginner triathlete. Especially when there is a real crowd in open water, we need to be able to use different strokes to get through the rough spots. My first tri swim was a disaster because all I knew was freestyle and wasn't able to alternate if needed.My 12 year old daughter actually attempts to correct me in my kick at the local ymca ALL the time!
I really appreciate this step-by-step book and that the author troubleshoots deficiencies in stroke and alignment. Great book :)

dont go without it
This book by jane katz is awesome and is flexible both for use of professionals trying to sharpen performance etc or the beginner with just the basic knowledge on the skill. I would definetely recommend it to anyone interested in making themselves fitter,faster and swim smart.

Best ever!
I have carried this book around with me for weeks, have been swimming laps since late June.Lost 8 lbs (so far and today is Sept 14).Don't believe those websites that say swimming laps does not burn fat.I have lost 2 inches of fat just from my waist and 2 inches from my back.... SO, get this book, read it and get in the pool!Swimming is great for the body AND the mind... (-; ... Read more

Product Description
Become more fluid in the water with Swimming: Steps to Success. This comprehensive guide provides progressive instruction to help you master several swimming strokes and skills: backstroke, front crawl, breaststroke, butterfly, sidestroke, back crawl, trudgen, floating, diving, sculling, and underwater swimming. Step-by-step instruction and 195 illustrations break down each stroke to the basic arm and leg movements and their timing.The multiple drills in each step include a scoring system to gauge success and determine readiness to advance to the next skill. Part of the highly successful Steps to Success Sports series, with more than 1.5 million copies sold, Swimming: Steps to Success is the best tool for learning to swim at your own pace and an excellent resource for mastering skills through the advanced level. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

How to swim
This is a good book to get tips for improving swimming prowess. I learned how better to do the breast stroke and hope to continue learning from it.

excelent teaching tool
I have always had a fear of swimming but had learned elementary techniques to get used to the water and the feeling of submersion.However, I really did not know proper swimming techniques.This book has helped improve my swimming greatly-from freestyle to the breaststroke (there are other styles taught in the book, as well). My confidence level has increased dramatically.

Nice Book, but Total Immersion Wins
The book explains the basics behind every technique, which is a good thing to know to improve your style. I was able to improve mine following the first couple of chapters. However, starting from freestyle, things became difficult and I was not able to either follow the instructions or improve my freestyle (maybe it is my problem). I switched to total immersion book, till now the difference is clear and I am now able to go back and forth in the pool with minimum effort.

10 years of failed attempts, this book did the trick
After 10 years of failed attempts at learning to swim, this book did the trick.
Excellent step by step approach builds confidence and avoids the "just do it" leap that is so hard to make.
Each step begins with the why and the what. These are followed by drills that gradually put all the parts together. The drills are very well thought out, you are learning all the time, and you never get pushed out to the ragged edge where it all falls apart.
Thank you David Thomas!

Very Good
I didn't know swimming 2 months before, but now, after reading the book, Iknow the 4 great styles of swimming. That's all I want to say! ... Read more

Product Description
Put science to work for you in the pool to swim stronger and faster than ever! Swimming Fastest is a fully revised and updated version of Swimming Faster, widely considered by coaches and swimmers as one of the best books ever written on competitive swimming. Author Ernest Maglischo reveals the science behind the training methods that led his teams to 13 NCAA Division II national championships.

Swimming Fastest is the definitive reference on stroke technique and training methods. In addition to explaining what swimmers should do, Maglishco explains why techniques and training are to be executed a certain way.

A primary feature in the book is a thorough and insightful technique analyses of the four primary strokes: freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly. Accompanying the text are more than 500 photographs and illustrations, including photos of world-class swimmers demonstrating picture-perfect form. Supporting the technical instruction is a complete explanation of the physiological basis for the most effective training methods, including detailed sample workouts and training programs for each event.

Swimming Fastest will benefit every serious swimmer and swimming coach. Gain new knowledge, refine technique, maximize training, and trim precious seconds off previous record times. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

swimming fastest
I'm very satisfied for my book. It is what I expected to find about swimming, a complete tractation about it, technique, training and many other fields are examined.
And I'm happy also for the rate! Only ten days from US to Italy where I live! Great!

Swimming Fastest
Excellent. No coach should be without this book. It is the foundation upon which all swim coaches should begin.Swimming Fastest

Fastest Swimming
This is an excellent book, it's the type of book you would like to have with you, but given its size that is a totally impractical proposition. It is an ideal candidate to be available on the Kindle booklist -- in that way you could have the book with you, especially for people who travel a lot; and read/reread some of the compelling chapters.

A must have for swim coaches
I can't tell you how much I enjoy this book. It has a wealth of information about stoke technique, training programs, and a very in depth explanation of energy systems. Every coach has a different approach to training and ernie's insights have been very helpful. This book is a great addition to a swimming book library!

Encycolopedic reference
This book is a very thorough, well researched reference book on swimming. It digests and presents proven techniques for swimming all strokes, down to pretty small but important details such as what orientation the hand should have upon entering the water. Throughout, Maglischo presents the evidence for swimming various ways, talks about the pros and cons of various techniques, and usually offers an opinion about what he thinks is the best practice. He always makes it clear where the research ends and his opinion is beginning. The sweep patterns are shown in many ways, through film frames from several angles, through sketches, and through traces relative to a fixed point in the pool as well as from the swimmers point of view.

I saw some criticism here about the descriptions being hard to follow and about a lack of more recent information. It does take effort to visualize the sweep patterns, but I don't know what else could be done in book form to make them clear. I think the book is more easy to follow than videos I have tried actually. With some imagination and trying it out in the pool, what he says becomes clear enough. I'm actually kind of amazed at the level of detail I am now aware of in my own sweeps as a result of this book. If you swim at least a few times a week for a long time, this is the level of detail you want. If you're a beginner, it might be overwhelming though.

As for the more recent information, I'd think of this book as being about tried and true methods that work for the majority. Once you learn the most effective technique for most people, then you can branch out to other methods. Do newer methods that just one or two well known people are using allow someone to workout for 10+ years at a high level? I don't know, but I'm pretty sure the methods in this book will, so it works for me.

There are sections on workout structuring, strategy, and nutrition I haven't read yet but seem equally well researched at first glance. This is a ton of information. ... Read more

Product Description
Introduces readers to the Birthlight water training approach--a unique series of exercises developed over many years to encourage confidence and enhance enjoyment in water. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Photos outstanding; writing is sometimes a little hard to follow
This book is so-so, only because it doesn't explain in detail how to actually do everything. It may say "do this" or "do that" but it doesn't explain exactly the best way to go about doing some of the things.

The authors try really hard to explain what needs to be done, but it must be difficult to write how to exactly teach an infant to swim without showing moving photos, as in a video. It might also be because it's written by someone in England and I'm in the U.S.It's all English, but it's not 100% the English I'm used to.

The photos are outstanding, and I did get my 6 mo. old daughter to float the first time I tried what was suggested. I really like how the author stresses that the experiences and the joy is what it's all about, as opposed to having to build new skills each time you take your baby into the water.

Beautiful Book
This book doesn't just teach babies how to swim, it teaches an attitude towards them..I'm learning how to teach patiently and learn that there's no dead line. We *are* having fun at the same time. I live in a country where making babies swim soundsstrange and this book's helping alot, I don't need to council anyone. I bought another resource when I got this book (a VHS) and it wasn't good at all, it was kind of teaching by force. I stopped using it and I only follow this great book (great photoes too!). Thanks to the author!

Excellent book for getting your baby into swimming
I bought this book when my baby was 6 weeks old.I love to swim and wanted to introduce her to the water in a fun, safe way.This book was outstanding because it provided easy to follow method.It seemed to answer just about all my questions.I referred to it (and still do) constantly.I probably read it three times to absorb the information.It gave instruction on how to: introduce the baby to water, take your baby underwater, swim with your baby, games to play and steps to get your toddler headed towards swimming.My baby is now an 18 month old toddler who absolutely loves the water.She will jump from me and "swim" to the ladder (she needs some help from me for floatation - she tends to want to go vertical through the water now) she can hold her breath really well and knows when she surfaces that she can take a breath (and when she goes under to hold it).This book provided the perfect approach for us - never pushing, always make sure the baby is having fun and let her progress at her rate.I can't stress how important that is - sometimes she would plateau for a couple of months before making progress again but it isn't about forcing them to swim - it is about making sure they are comfortable in the water.It did cover safety of your baby too.But this is not a "water safe" your baby in six weeks approach type book.This is a slower more baby friendly book.The pictures are awesome and as one person commented before it would be a great coffee table book.My daughter loved to look at the pictures of the babies swimming too.I can't say enough good things about this book.If you want to get your baby or toddler into the water without fear I would recommend this book.Also Water Baby A first book of water skills by Lauren Heston is good too.I thought this book had more details but they go nice together.

Excellent resource (good coffee table book too)
This book is written along the lines of a traditional child-rearing guide but is laid out with better design and a stronger flow of readability. Essentially it emphasizes the multi-sensory experience and confidence swimming brings to baby and the bonding that occurs with the parents. Excellent color photography add to the high-gloss paper and hardcover binding. A little thin but packed with good information. Highly recommended for new parents. ... Read more

Product Description

Dubbed the 'Hard Coral Capitals' of Micronesia, the islands of Guam, Rota & Yap offer a unique mix of underwater environments and topside cultural diversity. Go on an underwater history adventure exploring the war wrecks and military ordnance on Guam, witness the grace of sea turtles on Rota, or swim with the manta rays in the pristine Yap channels. From the clear blue waters of Guam's Blue Hole, to the grey reef sharks at Shark City on Yap, this book describes 62 of the best dive sites, with full-color photos throughout.

You'll get specific information on:

• depth and visibility
• suggested diving expertise
• common and hazardous marine life
• top-side practicalities, from accommodations and dining, to hikes on Guam and native dances on Yap
• 9 easy-to-read maps

Customer Reviews (2)

Manta's
The Lonely Planet books on diving are always a good bet on defining a place to dive.

Lonely Planet Diving & Snorkeling Guam & Yap (Diving & Snorkeling Guides)
Great photos and explanations of all the dive sites. Also road maps and location details. Very informative book. Small enough to take with you on your trip. ... Read more