Turn the TI Way: Longer Pushoffs, Faster Turns in 5 Lessons
by Total Immersion
Turn the TI Way: Faster and Easier.
Q. What’s the fastest way to improve your swimming speed?
A. Better turns and pushoffs.
You push off to start every length – and turn at the end of most. If you improve both, then every length you swim will improve. These skills are the way:
Critical Pushoff Skills
Three skills give you a longer, faster pushoff:
1. Streamline to travel farther and faster underwater. Cover each lap in fewer strokes.
2. Balance so your kick propels you forward, instead of fixing body position. Save air and energy.
3. Move forward, not up, through the surface. Start stroking with easy speed.
Critical Turn Skills
A separate set of three skills give you a faster, easier turn:
1. Change directions in a narrow plane. Head, shoulders and legs follow one line in and out.
2. Tuck tightly. Change directions at maximum speed and minimum effort.
3. Be balanced on foot-strike. More power from your leg and a better line to the surface.
“Turn the TI Way” will teach you those skills in five step-by-step lessons.
Lesson One Forward Pushoff will teach you to:
Form a streamline.
Push off at optimal depth.
Surface in balance.
Convert underwater speed to surface speed.
Lesson 2 Sit-Back Pushoff will teach you to:
Release the wall and sit back.
Bring hands, from different positions, to streamline.
Minimize drag as you rotate to your side.
Take first stroke – and breath — to either side
Lesson 3 Open Turn Skills will teach you to:
Approach the wall with speed and momentum.
Rotate tight and fast
In and out on the same line.
Position legs and feet to max pushoff power.
Lesson 4 Flip Turn Basics will teach you to:
Somersault tight and fast.
Leave wall on-side & on-line
Hold streamline
Break out at a low forward-moving angle
Lesson 5 Flip Turn Faster will teach you to:
Initiate your turn more smoothly.
Get extra air before and after the turn.
Improve pushoff alignment and distance.
Stroke and breathe to either side on breakout