There are lots of different ways you can improve your fitness, technique and speed by swimming training. Here are some top tips (for freestyle) to make the most of your swim training sessions:
- Catch-up: Keep one arm straight out in front of your body whilst swimming, and concentrate on reaching and pulling with your other arm. Start pulling with your stationary arm only when your moving arm is straight out.
- Board Catch-up: Exactly the same as 1, except one hand is always holding the board straight out in front.
- 3/4 catch-up: This is the same as Catch-up except you start moving your other arm when your first arm is 3/4 of the way to the forward position.
- Fingertip drag: Swimming regular freestyle, ensure that your fingertips drag through the water as your arm moves forward. Concentrate on good body roll and keeping your elbows pointing upwards.
You can also combine these drills to hone your skills in the pool. It always helps to have an experienced swim coach watch you so they can offer tips on your position and style. If available you may find it helpful to video your swim strokes either above or below the surface to review on the side of the pool. It's amazing how watching your stroke from a 3rd person perspective can sometimes give you a much better idea of how to improve it.