I also understand the point of it now so thanks for that too.

I’m not the comedian. I assume there’s a comedian called Ant in USA. In UK we have a TV presenter called Ant. It seems every country has its cross to bear.

PS
Have voted (twice)! I googled the currently leading swim blog, but it appeared to have no jokes, and, parenthetically, little info on swimming either…

You’re not the comedian I assume. If you are, you didn’t call me back after you performed at Bergen Community College. Anyway, I’ll assume you’re not that Ant, so I’ll give you advice that won’t drown you.

But, the answer is yes, your arm and hand can stay in exactly the same position as you rotate from glide until you’re gently kicking on your back.

First make sure your arm is submerged at a 45-degree angle when measured against the surface of the water. Second, make sure your wrist and fingers are an extension of this angle and that your palm is facing downwards.

You’ll be in glide position.

Now rotate to your back without moving your arm or shoulder. You’ll feel rotation around your shoulder. You’ll also feel a stretch in your upper pec. That’s ok. If there’s any real pain — like you haven’t told me about a shoulder injury — then don’t do it. But if it’s a good stretch, you’re good.

The purpose is to cement the anchored position so nothing can disturb it as you breathe during the swim. If you can hold it in position while you’re on your back, it will be natural to hold it during the much less severe rotation while swimming.

I think I have video of this. I’ll look tomorrow.

Thanks for writing.

Oh yea, vote for me on about.com so TI has the number one blog.

Simple one-click vote at [/url]http://swimming.about.com/library/aa_about-swimming-readers-choice-2011-blog-voting.htm[/url]

Then, click on Louis Tharp (on Total Immersion)

Then tell your friends.

Thanks.

Denise

PS I’ve gotten a lot out of reading your blogs and “The Overacheiver’s Diary”

Good question. Head up, in this case, means your head is in line with your body, and you are looking at the ceiling, or if you are lucky enough to swim in an outdoor pool, looking at the sky.

Saying “glide with your head up” doesn’t make sense. Thanks for catching this.

Lou.

Make sure TI is the most popular blog on about.com.

Vote now for: Louis Tharp (on Total Immersion) at [url]http://swimming.about.com/library/aa_about-swimming-readers-choice-2011-blog-voting.htm[/url]

re the anchor drill – when you say glide with your head up what exactly does that mean? Looking up, out of the water etc.?