Freestyle Biomechanics is a must read and OWN; not borrow or skim. It will become a continuous shelf reference for ALL swimmers, especially triathletes and adults. 

Dr. Prins has 50+ years of unparallel swim expertise as a coach, lecturer and biomechanics expert. That knowledge educates you, simplistically, through his: 1) do's and don'ts; 2) scores of visual samples; and 3) easy to absorb distilled explanations. He's a true communication expert.

Advance your education, OWN Freestyle Biomechanics today! Am requesting every TOWER 26 member, supporter and podcast listener to get this book. My endorsement is unpaid. This is just that TERRIFIC of a book; best I've seen.

A Review of Freestyle Biomechanics by Jan Prins, Ph.D.

Prins latest work is an invaluable resource for swimmers of all persuasions -- neophyte, seasoned, Open Water and triathletes -- looking to understand the whys and wherefores of stroke mechanics --and how they lead to better technique, more efficient and faster swimming. It is also a treasure trove for coaches old and new searching for elemental answers to why science matters in swimming.

A must for any swimmer’s library!

Jan is one of those rare coaches whose knowledge runs genuinely deep, the kind you can only earn through decades of working closely with swimmers of every ability. What sets him apart is his generosity with it. He brings a scientific approach to everything he does, yet he has a gift for breaking it down into simple, practical terms that any coach or swimmer can immediately put to use.It’s always a pleasure working with your App. There are so many opportunities for us, and we take advantage of them all! Great job!

Ever since I successfully started coaching my own Master’s swimmers and Triathlon swim program in 1981, I have relied on Jan’s expertise to help guide me in becoming a better coach when explaining and correcting a swimmer’s stroke mechanics.   Jan’s Freestyle Biomechanics explains it all, broken down and easy to understand for any competitive swimmer and swim coach.

Professor Jan Prins’ groundbreaking book on freestyle biomechanics is the culmination of more than fifty years of pioneering research into the mechanics of swimming. 

This book is not just informative—it is essential reading for coaches, athletes, and anyone wishing to enhance their swimming performances.  Professor Prins translates complex biomechanics into clear, actionable insights that can transform how swimmers train, move, and ultimately compete.

At the age of 75, I’m personally using the knowledge in this book to refine my own technique and continue progressing - and it is working! If it can elevate my swimming at this stage of life, imagine what it can do for athletes and coaches across all levels. 

Freestyle Biomechanics is an outstanding book for both newbies and veterans alike.  The numerous photos and accompanying explanations are very easy to understand and follow.  Whether you are a long-time master’s swimmer or a young high school swimmer hoping to swim in college, whether you swim for fitness or high-level competition, Dr. Prins offers outstanding advice that you can read all at once - or more preferably, read a few pages to focus on your next workout. 

In this outstanding work, Dr. Prins blends deep scientific insight with practical swimming knowledge, revealing the underlying mechanics that drive efficient stroke performance.

What makes Jan truly exceptional is his rare ability to connect the world of science with the realities of the pool. He doesn’t simply describe what elite swimmers do—he explains why it works. Through clear analysis and thoughtful explanation, he brings the physics and biomechanics to life in a way that coaches, athletes, and students of the sport can truly understand and apply.

Jan presents information on swimming technique that has previously never been seen or measured.  His combination of synchronizing underwater photography with motion analysis software vividly highlights where maximum and minimum propulsion occurs during the stroke cycle.  Prior to Jan's work, no other data illustrated and directly correlated pull patterns with measured horizontal speed through the water.  This information is valuable to novice as well as professional swimmers.