Freestyle Biomechanics – The Science Behind the Strokes™

Description Freestyle Biomechanics is designed to assist Coaches, Teachers, and all Freestylers, with special tips for Triathletes and Open Water Swimmers. The 16-Section program covers all aspects of the Freestyle Stroke in detail. Freestyle Biomechanics is unique in that the program incorporates the use of High-Speed Videography. The resulting video is combined with Motion Analysis software to generate “Reports,” which display a detailed analysis of the swimmer’s performance. Freestyle Biomechanics also identifies and analyses common swimming Stroke Defects —parts of the stroke that need correction. We discuss these defects in the pertinent sections of the program as an important means of improving swimming efficiency. Course includes: Introduction Freestyle Biomechanics Research Section 1 – Body Position & Orientation Section 2- The Freestyle Flutter-Kick Section 3: The Hand Entry Section 4: The Arm & Hand Extension Section 5: Body Roll in the Freestyle Section 6: The Catch Section 7: The Underwater Pull — The Middle Third of the Stroke Section 8: Elbow-Bend Section 9: The Much Misunderstood “S-Pull” Section 10: Hands Sliding Sideways: A subtle but consequential stroke defect Section 11: The Push-Phase or “Finish” Section 12: The Freestyle Arm Recovery Section 13: Breathing in the Freestyle Section 14: Conclusion with Additional Tips Jan Prins is currently a member of the Faculty at the University of Hawaii where he directs the Aquatic Research Laboratory and teaches Sports Biomechanics. He has been involved with swimming for over 40 years.  His primary focus is assisting Competitive & Masters Swimmers, and Triathletes with improving their swimming stroke mechanics. Research For the past 22 years, he has been involved with unique swimming research, analyzing the stroke mechanics of elite swimmers, including Olympic Gold Medalists, FINA World Swimming Champions, and former World Record Holders. He has presented his research at national and international swimming conferences, including the ASCA World Swim Coaches’ Clinics. He was the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Swimming Research and the recipient of the American Swimming Coaches Association “Bob Ousley” Award for contributions to the sport. Coaching He was the Head Assistant Coach under the legendary “Doc Counsilman” at Indiana University, where he received his Ph.D. in Human Performance. He served as Head Men’s Swimming Coach at the University of Hawaii. During his tenure his teams placed in the “top 20” at the NCAA “Division I” Championships, and in the “top 10” at the USS Senior Indoor Championships. He was the coach for Sri Lanka in the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles and the 1986 Asian Games in Seoul. He was a member of the United States Paralympic Swimming coaching staff at the 1992 Paralympic Games and the 1994 World Paralympic Games. He worked with the United States Armed Services Wounded Warrior Program and was a member of the coaching staff of the United States Team at the inaugural “Invictus Games” held in London, U.K. (2014). Reviews “What Jan Prins has developed in Freestyle Biomechanics is a step beyond what anyone has done before. It is an excellent teaching tool that I can use in coaching my Masters swimmers and Triathletes, especially those beginners eager to improve. The underwater video quality is superb. Jan breaks down the Freestyle stroke into the most concise format possible.” ~ Jim Montgomery Coach – Master’s and Triathlon Swimming. Olympic Gold Medalist & Former World Record Holder. First swimmer to break 50 seconds in the 100-meter Freestyle. “Dr. Jan Prins has developed a series of instructional videos for the Freestyle that are “state of the art.” The photography is exceptional, showing underwater and above-water views of swimmers from a wide range of skill levels. His descriptions of the strokes are delivered concisely and accurately in understandable language that is always supported by video that clearly demonstrates the point he is making. The Freestyle Biomechanics videos also include a section on common mistakes. The knowledge gained during his many years of coaching and teaching swimming are definitely on display here. The swimmers making these mistakes are not swimming “wrong” for the camera. They are actual Club, Masters, and Triathlon swimmers who are the embodiment of those in your pool who are making the same mistakes. Thus, making it easier for the coach and teacher to spot those mistakes and correct them. I can promise you, that this set of videos will be an invaluable aid to any Coach or Teacher of swimming who uses them.” ~ Ernie Maglischo, Ph.D. Internationally recognized authority on swimming stroke mechanics. Author of the “Swimming Faster” textbook series.