Swim Smooth Book Review

Having initially met Paul Newsome at The University of Bath in 2004, and subsequently working with him on regular occasions, I intuitively knew that the long awaited Swim Smooth book would be a great read. Billed as the complete coaching system for swimmers and triathletes alike this book simply delivers what it sets out to achieve.

Since conception, the aim of Swim Smooth has been to transform your swimming technique and become a better swimmer with their approach to freestyle swimming. Aimed at both fitness and competitive swimmers alike, the book explains what makes a successful stroke and how to develop your own swimming style. Helping you identify the strengths and weaknesses of your stroke and providing drills and training tips to make the most of your time in the water the book accepts differences in individual swimmers and shows you how to understand the fundamentals of swimming to find a style that works for you.

There are sections on technique that are supplemented with detailed advice on fitness training and racing skills. Open water swimming is fully covered with practical skills for every level. I found the colour photographs and 3D graphics visually aids and allows you to put the theory into practice. Finally the important subjects of nutrition, flexibility and dealing with cramp are fully covered.

As a coach I have for years mirrored the Swim Smooth approach, working with Paul a number of times in order to help swimmers identify the strengths and weaknesses of their stroke. This book comprehensively shows you how to understand those swimming fundamentals to find a style that works and provides drills and training tips to make the most of your time in the water. I commend it to you.

About The Author Neil Scholes

Neil is one of the most knowledgeable endurance coaches you'll ever be likely to meet, both in terms of qualifications and valuable experience. He's well into his second decade in the sport of triathlon and third decade as a competitive runner.

In recent years Neil has worked with Runners, from those looking to complete their first 5k through to Elites racing the Olympic Marathon, and Triathletes, from those looking to finish their first ever sprint event, through Age Group medallists at World Championships, Ironman Age Group winners to the Elite Squad at University of Bath.

As an accomplished Ironman triathlete, Neil races for Royal Navy Triathlon and has represented Great Britain at Age Group Level across various distances.

2013 sees him initially planning to run sub 3hrs at the Rotterdam Marathon, then competing in the 56 mile Comrades Ultra Marathon in South Africa in June before making his return to racing Ironman Triathlon.

Neil is available for Triathlon & Running Coaching.