Swim Speed Secrets: Master the Freestyle Technique Used by the World's Fastest Swimmers, 2nd Edition (Swim Speed Series) Paperback – April 22, 2018

If you're looking to improve your freestyle stroke, this is an awesome resource. I find the writing style engaging and easy to understand. There are pictures of almost everything that's explained so that you can see it in action. The author places clear emphasis on which components of the stroke are most important, while not neglecting the less important components. I haven't finished with reading it yet, but I guarantee I will read it cover-to-cover, some parts multiple times. I've done a couple of swim workouts while trying to incorporate some of what I've learned so far, and, although this is not a miracle cure (what legit source is?), I can see some improvements and a clear path forward.

I am a 51 year old Master's Swimmer. I swam competitively in the 70's and 80's and then took about 30 years off swimming. Back in the 80's we learned the "S" pull; when I came back to swimming 7-8 years ago I found things had changed and now it was all about "early vertical forearm". I tried really hard for years to modify my stroke but could never get it. In the meantime I was getting very frustrated as my swimming seemed to be getting worse despite my efforts. My daughter's swim coach recommended this book. I read it cover to cover a number of times. I found some of the stuff in the beginning a bit hard to follow - but the pictures are really great. (especially if you are a visual person). I worked on the principles hard and tried to incorporate some of the recommended drills but not every day (hard since I swim with a team). It took about 6 months but all of a sudden one day it just clicked and the results were stunning. Once I got the catch right, I immediately dropped 3-4 seconds per 100 with less effort. Seriously. Overnight. When does that ever happen? Its gotten me so energized and excited about swimming again that I've entered my first meet in 2 years. So, in summary great book and I highly recommend it ! Have patience as it may take some time but once you get it right the results are dramatic.

I've been reading and re-reading for the past few weeks, and incorporating into my swimming as much as possible. I wish I has seen this book's synopsis or premise sooner like when I first started out. I started with TI (and don't regret it per se) but it steered me away from bothering with or learning about the catch too deeply. TI set the stage (allowed me to put faith in technique over brawn) so I'm having a good time trying to apply the principals in this book, at least the ones that I can. I don't have access to a Halo table and exercise tubing, but I'm trying to apply all the other drills and technique info to take my swimming to a different level. Several of her explanations about developing the catch really helped illuminate the process -- or at least seem to really connect the dots for me. I would still have appreciated a deeper examination or more pictures showing the form elements to strive for. Overall though, well worth it and a really refreshing perspective about what it takes to make oneself faster. Cheers.

I am an age group triathlete (M60, olympic distance) who is seeking to improve his pull. The explanations in the book are lucid and supported by excellent images. For the next edition I'd suggest the inclusion of EOlab recordings. One of the key findings when I started training with EOlab Swimbetter handsets, was too much downward force cause by the absence of a proper catch. The book explained to me the 4 elements of an elite catch in terms that I could understand - now my tracings are getting better. I wish there was a 3rd edition with EO lab recordings in addition to the video analysis of top swimmers.

I listened to a swim podcast with Sheila Taormina and felt that she had really gotten it, so I bought her book. I do not regret it. She explains the elements of speed perfectly, and her application of the Pareto principle (80/20) to the stroke, leading her to a focus on the catch and pull, is very clever.She gives you the important drills and elements to focus on. It really helped me to focus my swim workouts. Since reading her book, I only do the drills she recommends, and of course, regular freestyle. She also recommend specific dry land training to develop specific strength for the catch and pull. I got the tubing she recommends and have been happy with it.Sheila really writes with passion, which makes the book very readable. As the shortest female to win Olympic gold since 1921, it is obvious that she put a lot of effort into understanding the stroke and beating others by perfecting the technique. Also - her transition to triathlon and pentathlon underscores the point that she has an outstanding ability to study a technique, break it down, and perfect it.About me: I came into swimming late via triathlon. I had gotten a few swim books and DVDs before getting Sheila's book. I had taken lessons. I am not a good swimmer by any means, by I did qualify for US National Age Group Championship in 5150. Her approach has definitely made swimming more enjoyable, and step by step, faster.

I thought the book very well written. The pictures were plentiful.