The t.i. swimming method in 3 steps

The T.I. method starts by introducing the swimmer (whether they are a beginner or experienced) to learning balance and pelvic stability. The aim of this learning is to replace the feeling of heaviness in the water, which tends to drag you down, by a joyful sensation of comfort and weightlessness.

First of all, you need to become aware of gravity (pulling you down in the water) and understand its physical principles, so that you can find the best swimming position: the one that will require the least possible effort.

Next, it is important to learn to stabilise your pelvis, so that you can stay perfectly aligned and engaged, even during lateral movements or rotations, which can easily disturb your alignment.

Becoming aware of your body in the water will help you to control your swimming position, sensations, and coordination more easily. When you start by “taking control” of your body, you will be able to swim more easily and comfortably, and tackle more advanced swimming techniques.

Aside from the stroke itself, this crucial stage of the T.I. method will give you the chance to find out more about the behaviour of the human body in the water, and use these concepts to minimise obstacles and maximise the inherent resources of the water.

So balance and stability are crucial… nothing surprising so far! Let's move onto step 2!

What's the difference between humans and fish?

Okay, there's probably more than one… but the important point here is their natural hydrodynamics: a quality shared by most aquatic animals.

Since humans don't have this natural streamlining, and because water is 1000 times denser than air, obviously, it is tough for humans to move quickly through water. That leaves us no choice: we need to train in order to develop this precious hydrodynamics.

- A hydrodynamic position allows us to reduce “form drag”: the resistance created as we move through the water. To reduce this drag, the body must be as straight as possible, so that it is not in contact with too large a water surface.

- “Wave drag” is all the turbulence, waves, swirls and bubbles created, which affect our movement through the water. Basically, you need to understand the importance of not fighting the water. Lots of splashing won't help you: it will just slow you down and tire you out.

If you ever want to be as streamlined as the Man from Atlantis, you need to learn to limit your splashing and swim with your body as straight as possible!

Who said your pelvis has to stay still? Yes, you have to be stable, but not immobile: there's a subtle difference!

Although your legs and especially your arms are your main sources of propulsion when swimming, according to the T.I. method, your pelvis can also help you, rather than being a weight to drag along!

The pelvis is naturally the strongest and most powerful part of your body, so why let it go to waste? Your pelvis should be the starting point for your power, rhythm and movement.

Therefore, the T.I. method teaches you integrate the body movements initiated by your pelvis (pendulum), from head to toe. The faster you start using this method, the faster you will swim effectively: further and faster!

Don't worry, the T.I. method also covers breathing, but treat it as a consequence rather than a separate area of work. The breathing technique integrates perfectly into each stage of the method. See for yourself:

-If you swim comfortably and confidently, you will breathe more easily
-If you maintain a hydrodynamic position, you can breathe without hindering your progress too much
-It will be even easier and more natural to breathe when your pelvis initiates your rotation to inhale

Clearly, the three stages covered here have three distinct and precise objectives:

- To allow you to swim faster and for longer, without using more energy
- To allow you to swim without any effort or pain
- To allow you to appreciate and improve your swimming sensations

The T.I. Method is specific to swimming crawl, and encourages glide and amplitude. In this sense, it will probably be more appreciated by medium- and long-distance swimmers than by sprinters.

The T.I. method is based on principles from fluid dynamics, physiology, cognitive psychology (how we learn) and neurobiology (training the brain like a muscle). So we can probably trust it!

And before we move on to the practical side of things, there's no better way to finish this article than with an inspiring quote from Terry Laughlin, coach, multiple medallist and author of the T.I. method:

“Swim well, swim better, swim happy!”»