If a person reads a lot of theory about how to swim, different types of techniques, other people’s written experiences etc., can they swim if thrown in a deep swimming pool? Or, at least, be able to swim enough to reach the steep end and save themselves from drowning?
By “a lot”, I mean spending over 6 months to a year, gaining theoretical knowledge. And when we throw them in the pool, they are willing to try it, as in, “I have learnt enough, and I am willing to try it out.”
No.
There is only so much you can learn that is applicable to real life situation about body movement. I guess you can read that if you hold your breath and relax, or keep a certain upright posture with your arms extended, then you will remain afloat. But that’s about it. You need to go and try it. No matter for how many years you read, you need to first go and try the basics.
You can say the same about riding a bicycle I guess or rollerblades or a skateboard