Catch Masterclass DVD Review - Better Freestyle Swimming

The Catch Masterclass DVD is a superb rendering of how to find and develop the sometimes elusive key element of freestyle swimming, the catch. It is focused on one main (and vital) element of good swimming technique, with plenty of detail, but simplified so swimmers can work on developing a better swimming catch step by step and not get lost in those details. This DVD is another winner from the Swim Smooth coaches. Here are a few images from the Catch Masterclass DVD.

I am glad that I have a copy of the Catch Masterclass DVD from Swim Smooth. I highly, highly recommend it to other swimmers that want to improve their freestyle swimming catch. Those of you with an already perfect freestyle swimming catch will probably still get a lot of tips that you can apply to your swim technique training.

What is the catch in swimming? The point where the swimmer engages the water to move forward. A better swimming catch translates into better swimming.

The Catch Masterclass DVD is almost two hours of ways to train yourself to a better catch, leading you to becoming a better swimmer. The DVD has three parts, each with seven chapters:

1. Setting Up for a Good Catch
   Swim Visualization with Jon Van Hazel
   Catch Setup Drills
   Swimming Posture
   Drill Practice with Lisa (a swimmer)
   Mr. Smooth Visualization
   Hand Entry Position
   Thumb or Fingertip First Entry
2. Catch Mechanics
   Introduction with Shelley Taylor Smith, Mel Benson, and Hannah
   Catch Mechanics Drills
   Common Faults
   Muscle Group Usage
   Finger Position
   Early Vertical Forearms and Extreme Early Vertical Forearms
   Dryland Practice
3. Rhythm and Timing
   Introduction
   Rhythm and Timing Drills
   Why a Good Catch is So Elusive
   Fist Drills or PT Paddles
   Focusing On the Catch During Breathing
   Wetsuits and Stroke Rhythm
   Monitoring Progress

There is also a set of quick links to review parts of the lessons before you head to the pool, and there are 6 printable pdf swim training session plans that you can take with you to the pool. These step by step, swimming technique development sessions move you through the elements better freestyle catch development, and will work for almost every level of swimmer. I am going to include them in my workout plans in the future. The biggest single, simple take-away from my viewings - keep my middle finger pointed the correct direction.

Disclosure: A review copy was provided by the publisher. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.