This book is astounding in its breadth and depth of knowledge. If you are at all serious about swimming for speed or enjoyment you need to read this work. The first and second chapters on stroke development and recent breakthroughs would be enough to make this book a classic,

The fluid dynamics section is excellent, a good thing to know in your mind. But far more valuable to me is the chapter about feeling the water. Here we dive into the heart of the matter. The more talented swimmers feel the water more. You can swim most efficiently when you can tell when the water is most ready to pull against. I stand in awe of Colvin's ability to explain an intuitive process that leaves me blubbering for words.

All of us who love the water owe Cecil Colwin a deep and sincere thank you.

21 of 23 found the following review helpful:

History, Hydrodynamics and Training  Oct 17, 2002
By Donal Fagan
The average swimming book prescribes stroke techniques, then offers a sample training routine. In 'Breakthrough Swimming', Cecil Colwin sets his stroke and training advice amid much firm background and some speculative discussion. Coach Colwin covers three subjects: History, Hydrodynamics and Training.

The history is broken into two parts which begin and end the book. The first is a history of swim technique (sidestroke, trudgen, overarm, etc.) which leads to a description of the four current strokes. As in Swimming Dynamics, he illustrates a "typical" way of swimming each stroke even though he admits a wide range of technique possibilities. (Colwin is an excellent draughtsman, but there seems to be a drawing error: In the text and in his side view drawings of the crawl, he describes a full body rotation of 35 - 45 degrees each way as desirable. His front view, however, shows the swimmer almost dead flat throughout the crawl.)

Continuing the exploration of hydrodynamics that he began in Swimming Dynamics, Colwin discusses the bow wave, lift, his vortex-shedding theories of propulsion, strategies of streamlining, using the hands to direct the water and many other ideas.

In covering training, Colwin (and Pyne) offer the usual ideas of aerobic vs anaerobic, interval vs distance, etc. I find myself thinking of his section, "Development of the Will to Overcome Fatigue," as I swim. I realize that I have rarely reached Hurt, much less Agony or Pain since high school (at least not in the pool).

The book ends with a history of competition that discusses rule changes, better pools, the World Cup tour (he's not impressed), national team vs club-based coaching, a chronicle of doping, fistgloves, the problems with bodysuits, a ranking of the stars of the 20th century and a look forward.

I definitely found the book worth reading.

8 of 8 found the following review helpful:

Not for beginners or intermediate swimmers  Jul 16, 2008
By Craig J. Schultz
I swim a mile every morning and was looking for the proverbial breakthrough. This book was not it. The historical development of the various strokes (first part of book) did not get me any closer to a breakthrough, nor did the last part which is dedicated to historical statistics.

Illustrations are not helpful; the few pictures (all black and white) are in no way instructive. Training routines are all in jargon that is not explained.

If you want a breakthrough I highly recommend the Go Swim DVDs. This book is of little use.

11 of 12 found the following review helpful:

An Essential Swimming Book  Oct 18, 2002
By Gerald Saltman
In "Breakthrough Swimming", Cecil Colwin has done a fantastic job in bringing together the thoughts, techniques and advice of many famous and successful coaches and their swimmers from all over the world. Of particular interest are the changes in techniques over the years and the preparation of today's star swimmers. Also of great interest was the comparison and use of scientific principles in assisting in streamlining the body and optimising the use of energy and strength to gain more speed.
As a past competitive swimmer, this book is a "must" for anyone with an interest in this great sport. It is a book where you need to have your own copy so you can read and re-read it from time to time as well as use it as a reference guide.
A real "winner" from Cecil Colwin !

10 of 11 found the following review helpful:

An absolute "must" for past and present swimmers .  Oct 07, 2002
By Gerald Saltman
This is a really wonderful book with an in-depth insight into the latest techniques and training methods, encompassing a collection of successful techniques from numerous very famous coaches from all over the world. Some of the most fascinating aspects of this book are the application of modern day scientific principles to make swimmers go faster and become more streamlined and effective in the water. Not only is this an excellent read, but it is a book to be kept and re-read from time to time by anyone interested in swimming. As a former competitive swimmer, this is certainly the best ever book I have read on a great sport. You definitely need your own copy !

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