Originally Posted by
furiousferret
For someone who has looked at both, the difference between traditional and TI seem marginal at best.
I don't think it's a matter of a difference between TI & "traditional" swimming. The best athletes, like Michael Phelps, do this naturally. They don't need these particular drills and analysis to be as smokin fast as they are.
TI seems to promote a very full-body swimming approach, which has resonated very well with me. Over time, I think you'll see what's most useful to you from that philosophy and learn from that. Sure there'll always be room for the Janet Evans-style windmill stroke, but that's a rare occurrence.
To the OP: at some point reading a book & watching a DVD & talking with people on a form just isn't going to cut it. Join a master's program or consult a coach, as others have said. Terry Laughlin does clinics as well. It will do wonders for you. Good luck!