Paul Newsome Recorded Analysis: Curing the Overglider

Watch here as we correct Phil's over-gliding style. This was filmed in May 2013.
Phil was swimming 32 strokes per length at a painfully slow 36spm and at a pace of 1:49/100m. Upon re-filming in December 2013 (7 months development time) Phil is down to 1:35/100m, his stroke rate is up to 51spm and is taking 40 strokes per length.
The question is, which is most efficient? Taking 8 strokes less per 50m in May, or being 0:14/100m faster in December? This equates to an improvement of 3:30 over 1500m or 23:20 over the 20km he is about to swim in February 2014 across to Rottnest Island.
Learn here how increasing his tempo and sacrificing a little stroke length is a product of a better hand entry and removing the over-glide at the front of his stroke which is especially useful for developing good rhythm in the open water. In January Phil swam 5km open water in 1h22m or an average pace of 1:38/100m which is a "crazy" 11 seconds per 100m quicker than the 200m he does in this video and yet it's 25 times the distance...in just 6 months!
Come and join us at The Triathlon Show in Sandown Park, London, UK Feb 28 to Mar 2 to see exactly how we made those changes and what the outcome was visually.
This is truly how to cure the Overglider within you - Phil is not only faster (much faster!) but is swimming easier too - win, win!
Remove your deadspot, don't over-glide and your rhythm and stroke rate will improve organically. It's not magic, not rocket science, just an understanding that too much emphasis on stroke length can seriously damage your efficiency in the water.
Enjoy!
Swim Smooth

[@kiddjmadd]

wow, I've been doing the same 'overgliding handbrake' thing for probably the past 15 years. Watched this last night and at the pool today I knocked 10 seconds off my 100 yard time with no additional effort. I'm not getting the shoulder strain afterwards either. Thanks for posting!

[@LarsRyeJeppesen]

Amazing!!!! Wish there were people providing that kind of service where I live. Would sign up in an instant.

[@GabiRav]

Don Edgecombe COME HERE , IT IS +32 ° ( Bay of Haifa . in the water and out of the water)

[@Belthazar44]

That's a really good consultation and analysis!

[@warrenbennett8410]

Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheNeilsolaris]

I didn't realize until watching this, but I'm guilty of some of these errors too. I bought a Total Immersion swimming book a few years ago, and I put it down to practising the tips from there. It stated I should reach upwards at the end of each stoke, as if reaching for the bar at the end of the lane! It also recommended rolling a lot, and gave the analogy of a ship, and to try to imitate that same position with the body. It encouraged me to leave the forward arm in the water as long as possible. I used to be able to swim a km in about 18.30 minutes (which I know is very average), but now it takes me about 20 minutes. I am getting older on the other hand! Incidentally, how much do you charge for this lesson, and are you based in the UK? I'd love to have my stroke put through this analysis!

[@wx3054]

I think TI makes a lot of sense but it encourages overgliding indeed. I have the same issue.

[@lynniemutt]

Really helpful. I envy the swimmer being able to work with you. If you travel to USA, I hope you consider a visit to Wisconsin.

[@joebyrne98]

This is a fantastic analysis of this guys stroke. Thanks! I would like to know the answer to Alain's question as well. My legs sink too much regardless of what I do to correct that.

[@fclavijo]

Excellent! Thanks

[@alainauffret8229]

Hello and thanks SS. What immediate priority would you give the -(obviously- Arnie) type who thought his feet were 5cm under the surface when they were actually dragging 60cm below ?

[@julial3758]

I love this video please keep the good stuff comin :D I think I'm an overglider but I'm not exactly sure since I haven't been able to record myself struggling underwater :[ I swim extremely slow. Like 30 seconds for 25 yards

[@outdoorgeartradeoutdoorgea3744]

And did his time improve?

[@harrodsmil61]

ok i'm not a coach but this guy seems to be over-explaining. most of us just need to be told what to do / adjust. all the clever stuff can overload simpletons such as myself. it's apretty simple concept he's trying to change but takes 14 minutes plus to get it across.

[@joefagan9335]

If you need the video you need the 14 minutes of explanation. If you don’t need the video, jog on.