Championship Swimming: How to Improve Your Technique and Swim Faster in 30 Days or Less [Paperback]

Tracey McFarlane-Mirande (Author), Kathlene Bissell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 21, 2005 | ISBN-10: 007144730X | ISBN-13: 978-0071447300 | Edition: 1

From an Olympic medalist, a proven, step-by-step program for helping you swim your best

Endorsed by Olympic gold medalist Jenny Thompson and written by two-time Olympic winner Tracey McFarlane-Mirande, Championship Swimming brings Olympic-level techniques and training to intermediate swimmers who want to achieve their best.

With her proven program, McFarlane-Mirande takes you from 0 to 60 in just 30 days. This comprehensive manual features:

• Step-by-step drills for improved strokes and more enjoyable workouts
• Tips on how to eliminate "drag"
• Techniques for swimming more powerfully with less effort
• Dry-land exercises
• Easy-to-follow illustrations

From intermediate to competitive swimming, Championship Swimming is sure to improve the quality of every swim, whether for leisure, exercise, or going for the gold.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Swim at your best with this step-by-step 30-day program from an Olympic medalist

"Tracey and I both swam under the direction of Coach Richard Quick, who is considered an expert by everyone in our sport. Not everybody can have an Olympic coach, but having lessons from a former Olympian is certainly the next best thing. Tracey's book includes what all swimmers need to know to become better--no matter what their level. Perhaps someone reading it will become a future Olympian." —Jenny Thompson, holder of 12 Olympic medals and the most decorated woman swimmer in U.S. history

"This is the quintessential book for those interested in improving their swimming skills at a rapid rate. It has all the basics for the beginner yet still is able to focus on the bigger picture . . . swimming faster and more efficiently with an improved stroke." —Rowdy Gaines, three-time Olympic gold medalist and commentator for NBC Sports

If you think the fastest way to better swimming is more boring, repetitive laps, you're (literally) wasting your breath! In this handy guide, Olympic medalist and former World Champion Tracey McFarlane Mirande uses her experience, skills, and know-how to get you swimming with speed, power, and grace—just like the pros. Whether you’re a skilled swimmer or a beginner, Championship Swimming delivers competition-level techniques and training to provide real improvement in just 30 days. Tracey’s comprehensive guide includes:

• Workouts for both beginning and advanced swimmers
• Specialized drills for improved strokes
• Techniques for eliminating drag and swimming more powerfully with less effort
• Step-by-step instructions for flip turns

About the Author

Tracey McFarlane Mirande is an Olympic medalist and former World Champion and the holder of several NCAA records. After her successful competitive career, she went on to coach swimmers of all ages, including adult Masters swimmers, and is now a licensed physical therapist. She lives in Orlando, Florida.

Kathlene Bissell is an author, a swimmer with 25 years of experience, and a former Masters swimming student under Mirande. She lives in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (July 21, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 007144730X
• ISBN-13: 978-0071447300
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #719,272 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #83 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Exercise & Fitness > Swimming

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars breaking old habits, November 18, 2006

By 

Christine Hashimoto (Sedalia, Co. USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Championship Swimming: How to Improve Your Technique and Swim Faster in 30 Days or Less (Paperback)

Though I've been a masters swimmer for a few years, this book and it's drills were helpful. By going through the prescribed program, week by week, the freestyle concepts of rotation, breathing on both sides,and stretching, start to replace old habits. I agree, it's important to drop back and work on technique, rather than reinforce poor body mechanics while keeping up in your lane. The freestyle and breaststroke chapters were the most helpful to me.

2.0 out of 5 stars disappointing, April 28, 2011

By 

Nadja Christine Pretty - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Championship Swimming: How to Improve Your Technique and Swim Faster in 30 Days or Less (Paperback)

The book doesn't refine technique. It is good for beginners. For people who can swim very well I would not recommend this book.

3.0 out of 5 stars Another General Swimming Book, August 10, 2010

By 

Red Sun (New Jersey) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Championship Swimming: How to Improve Your Technique and Swim Faster in 30 Days or Less (Paperback)

There is not a lot to say about this book. It covers the basics, and more details on freestyle. There are some good hints/tips, but not very deep. Still a good book to read.