Fundamentals of Swimming - Stephen Taylor's Triathlon Training Series DVD

Fundamentals of Swimming is a great DVD for a triathlete just getting in the sport or that is a weak to mid-level swimmer. Nothing really against the title, but I would have named it Fundamentals of Triathlon Swimming. The DVD uses simple language and good video clips to teach the swim skills needed to complete a triathlon. It goes one step further with its "Homework Cards" that can be used at the pool to reinforce and practice the skills learned by watching the DVD. This is an excellent DVD for freestyle, but not for an advanced swimmer.

This is an excellent DVD for freestyle swimming within a triathlon, but not for an advanced swimmer. It will give the newbie or weak-swimming triathlete the things needed to improve their swim in a triathlon-focused workout and in a triathlon.

The DVD includes sections on:

• Breathing Rhythm
• Kicking
• Balance and Core Body Position
• Propulsion - How to Use Your Arms
• Feel for the Water
• Power and Glide
• Arm Entry and Arm Recovery
• Techniques for Open Water Swimming
• Swimming Drills (10 Specific Swim Drills)
• How to Practice Skills at the Pool (Homework Cards)

The DVD starts at the beginning - how to breath while swimming - and concludes at the end - how to swim in open water. Skills are presented step-by-step, building upon previous skill acquisition.

The method/techniques presented throughout the DVD are explained by the coach, then demonstrated in the water, then included on the Homework Card so that the swimmer can remember what to do once they get to the pool.

The thing that sets this DVD apart from some others are the Homework Cards. They are a key part of the DVD's teaching method. The cards lay out 10 pool-side skill-focused practice sessions. Each card includes a notation that explains:

1. What to do
2. How to do it
3. How much of it to do
4. When to move to the next card

The cards could be used for stand-alone workouts or as additons to existing workouts.