| Swim frequently |
| Swim with good technique |
| Develop an exercise plan |
| Challenge yourself |
| Take it easy |
| Streamline your technique |
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| Wear a swimsuit made for competitive swimming |
| Videotape your swimming |
| Cross train |
| Eat a balanced diet |
| Do use flippers occasionally |
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Swimming Tips: |
| George Park's Swim Downhill! |
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Vote for George Park
The first time I heard of Swimming Downhill was in 1952 when I was training for the '52 Olympics.
Matt Mann, one of the top swim coaches of that time who coached the 1952 USA Olympic Team, called me aside and told me that my stroke looked terrific, but I should start to swim down hill...
(New article by George)
When I was young, I swam every event and was considered a middle distance swimmer. In 1952, at age 19, I was sick (had mono). I was bed ridden for 6 weeks. I was out of bed for a couple of weeks and swam in the Olympic trials. The first event I was entered in was the 440. At 200 yards, I went unconscious and was pulled out of the pool, that was it for the 1952 Olympics and no more distance swimming for a long time. My work outs after that comprised of 500 yards twice a day plus waterpolo practice & games and swim meets on weekends.
I represented Canada in the 1954 Commonwealth games and swam the 110 yards placing 4th, and second in three relays. After the 54 games I retired from competition and only played water polo.
In Feb. 1955 my coach called me and told me I was selected to represent Canada in the Pan Am Games in Mexico, the selection was made on past performances. I started training but was swimming very badly, I could not get my time below one min. for 100 yards(stinko). I decided not to go but the next day at a time trial I did a 51 second 100 yards, so I changed my mind and went. It worked out fine I came second in the Pan Am games, just touched out in the 100 meters free by Clarke Scholes of the USA, the 1952 Olympic Champion.
Swim Tips...Need help Contact George Breathing!!
Breathe in through the mouth, breathe out through the nose and mouth. Do not exhale all of your air.
Many people just try to breathe in, if you were a balloon you would soon explode. If you force your breath out of your mouth only, water syphons up your nose and you are in trouble, choking and sputtering.
Relax and stretch out, the water will actually keep you on the surface without a lot of effort if you just let it happen.
The first time I heard of Swimming Down Hill was in 1952 when I was training for the '52 Olympics. Olympic story now on home page.
Matt Mann, one of the top swim coaches of that time who coached the 1952 USA Olympic Team, called me aside and told me that my stroke looked terrific, but I should start to swim down hill.
He said that it is necessary to think of water displacement when you swim. He explained that the water moves forward in front of you and sets up a bow wave. It forms a "V" in front similar to that of a boat when it is under power.
As you move forward, the water you have displaced creates a bow wave. The void that is created with the body passing through the water in this manner, then fills in. (This also explains how you can draft off another swimmer by swimming close and just behind their shoulder).
The ideal way to swim is to get on top of that bow wave....then you will be able to swim down hill. Like body surfing, you can ride down the front of the wave.
1...Did you know many shoulder injuries for swimmers come from stretching exercises before they are warmed up? Some experts say you should not stretch at all, and do longer warm up and cool down swims.
2...What I've noticed, is that any movement which causes stress or pain should be eliminated from your stroke.
3...Races are won or lost on dives and turns. The body should go through the water with the least amount of resistance. Hands are extended, head down not looking forward, shoulders touching the ears.
4...If you slap the water, the water will slap you back with equal force. Remember Newton's third law... "Every action has an equal and opposite reaction"
5...If you drop your elbow, you will push yourself backwards.
6...If you press your thumb against your index finger, it causes tension in the forearm. Swim relaxed.
7...If you cup your hand you actually press less water when it's cupped, don't cup your hands.
8...If you force your fingers together, this also creates tension in the forearm. Swim relaxed.
9...Always finish your stroke, touching your thigh as far down the thigh as possible but keeping the body streamlined.
How the hand enters the water. It really doesn't matter.
I found it easier to place my hand in the water with the thumb and all of the fingers entering the water at the same time. The elbow is at 90 degrees away from your little finger with a slight bend in your arm. As your hand enters the water press the hand down and out from the center line of the body (about 3 to 5 lbs pressure per sq inch) very gently for about 6 to 8 inches.
Then you press the hand back towards the center line of the body (at 9 to 12 lbs pressure per sq inch) not applying full pressure and take it to the catch point of your stroke.
When you get to the catch point max it (about 25 lbs per sq inch) keep the hand as close to the body as practical and press down to your thigh.
