Customer Reviews: Read 20 more reviews...
 This book is great! January 6, 2008
Emmett Hines' book has been very helpful to me. I am a former college runner who had to switch to swimming after my legs went bad, so I was a complete novice, but one with mild competitive ambitions. After doing his drills, I am able to swim faster with less effort, allowing me to go further and faster. I can really notice the difference between the way I used to plow through the water versus the way I glide through it now.
When you first try these drills, they may seem awkward and frustrating, because they are different from your normal (and probably bad) swimming motions. Don't give up - after several workouts (maybe even several weeks' worth) I promise that eventually the light bulb will go on over your head and you'll say "Oh, now I get it!" This has happened to me numerous times doing Hines' drills. Your body will, seemingly magically, figure out what he's trying to show you.
We have a 1-mile swimming race every August here in Austin called the Deep Eddy Mile. My first year (2006) I completed the swim in 36 minutes, 13 seconds. After a year of using Hines' lessons, I knocked my time down to 34:20, and I can already tell that I'll probably knock off another minute or two this year.
Obviously, the best way to improve your swim technique is with a personal coach, but if (like me) you do not have the time or money for personal lessons, this book is an excellent alternative.
The only book needed to improve your stroke January 1, 2008
After years of non-swimming, I took a stroke technique class at my local pool last fall. When I began the class, I could not complete one length of a 25 yard pool. I never was a good swimmer even after lessons as a child. The class got me started, but I had a long way to go. When the class ended, I went looking for a book to help me continue. I found this book on Amazon, and the many positive reviews convinced me to give it a try. Three months and two practices a week later, I had a lesson with the teacher of my class from the fall. When I finished two lengths of the pool to show him my stroke, his response was, "Did you get a new body? Are you the same person who swam in my class last fall? I am amazed!" Except for a couple of minor suggestions, he felt my stroke was perfect. I knew I had made progress, but this confirmed it for me. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. The drills really do make a huge difference. The workouts are fun and varied. I never get bored. If you are like me and just getting back into swimming after many years away from it or someone who wants to improve their stroke, don't spend your money or time on any other book. This is all you need. You will be amazed by the results you get and you will have fun in the process.
 Very instructional December 23, 2007
0 out of 2 found this review helpful
Very instructional book. More suitable for competitive swimmer, I think. Contains sets of practise drills for beginner (green zone) to competition (red zone). I only followed up until green zone and have not progressed further. You need to copy down the drill sets on a slate and record your heart beat, time and stroke count. I did that until some misunderstood kid took my instruction slate on the pool edge, thinking somebody left it. I got it back with scribbles all over and I just gave up after that. A bit troublesome, definitely not for leisure swimming.
Not bad, not great June 30, 2007
1 out of 3 found this review helpful
I learned quite a bit, but I think it's too focused on workouts rather than teaching. Not bad though, just not the greatest.
Swim Faster With Less Effort April 9, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
These drills will make you a faster, more efficient swimmer. The tips will especially help you improve your freestyle.
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