Beauty and Efficiency first, then Speed and Power

Watch these 2 videos, one is Michael Phelps, swimming his beautiful fast freestyle, powered by a monster kick, the other is of a Total Immersion coach Shinji, who kicks only for balance and slight forward propulsion, but whose speed comes from line, posture and balance.  We all desire to swim like the wind like Michael, but first, be masters of form and efficiency, like Shinji, then Speed and Power will come.

How do they take a breath?  Is it quick or long?  When in the stroke do they take their breath?  How long does their leading arm stay in front before the other arm strokes forward?  How close are their hips to the surface of the water?  How do they swim in such a straight line? Michael also has a radical tight streamline and fast underwater dolphin kick.  Hold the vision of these strokes in your mind when you swim next time.