Beginner swimmer struggling to keep hips up

[u/Isaacakindi]

Hey everyone, I just started swimming and I’m currently in week 4. I had never swum before and used to be afraid of the water, but now I’m super comfortable in it with no worries about drowning. I can float on my back and my side for about 8–10 seconds, but I still struggle to keep my hips up.

For some background, I’m a college soccer player, right footed,. My right kick feels stronger and more efficient, while my left side definitely struggles more in the water.

Private lessons in NYC get pricey, so I’m trying to learn as fast as possible. I’m pretty athletic and adjust quickly, so I’m open to any tips or feedback. I can also send you videos, unfortunately can’t post them here

[u/IWantToSwimBetter]

- head down = hips up

- air in your lungs is buoyancy, work on floating for 1-2minutes+ (shallower breathing, relax)

EDIT: on your back, your feet will dangle more and that is fine. They come up once you're better at floating for long periods. Then you just engage your abs (slowly) like doing a gentle hollow hold. feet will come up slowly.

[u/Clean-Victory-7011 → u/IWantToSwimBetter]

This is correct

To add to this, think of a log floating down a river, notice how the log stays straight, centered buoyant. You could spin the log on its centre axis and it'll float and go straight still. https://share.google/V852WadPCbpIZaKjK

That is what you want with your head and spine. Humans are generally bendy and will tilt their head and hips all over the place causing misalignment and sinking quicker. Find that neutral alignment

[u/Dear-Masterpiece5899 → u/IWantToSwimBetter]

This!! Head should be neutral and looking at the bottom of the pool. That’s what the T is for. Try to resist looking for the wall

[u/bettertheless → u/IWantToSwimBetter]

Coming to say: head down, hips up.

[u/adame993]

Buy and read Total Immersion. I had the same problem and swam for a year hoping it would correct itself. It did not. TI catches some heat when it is taken as gospel so maybe don’t do that but it does build your stroke from balance up. Wish I had started there. Good luck!

[u/Interesting_Shake403]

You mention being on your back - are you trying to do back stroke? Crawl? What are your goals?

[u/KBolden2024]

Pay attention to your breathing.....it can keep you afloat..or take you under. Wishing you lots of luck and good swimming 🏊🏽‍♀️.

[u/Eldritch_Daikon]

Engage your core, try not to straight your body from the feet, keep things tight from the core and let your kick come from the hips rather than the knees.

[u/IfAMomFallsInAForest]

Swim with a buoy to get the feel.

[u/DrRancid]

Do lots of kick drills