Swimming is a great cardiovascular activity that works your entire body without putting stress on the joints. While most anyone can hop in the water and start swimming, focusing on technique will make your swims more enjoyable and efficient. Swim drills for the front crawl will help perfect your stroke, kick and breathing.
Catch Up
The catch up drill helps perfect your stroke and keep your body elongated in the water. Begin by holding onto a kickboard in front of you with both hands. Keeping your arms straight, release your right hand through a full stroke. Don't allow your left hand to leave until your right hand is back on the board. Continue alternating hands.
Side Swimming
Side swimming will improve your body's balance and rotation in the water, as well as help you learn how to breathe on both sides. Begin on your right side with your right arm straight out in front of you and your left arm on your left side. Kick from the hip for six counts and then lead with your left arm to switch sides. Continue alternating for six counts on each side and gradually lessen the count until you are swimming normally.
Tap Before Entry
Tap before entry will help you focus on a high elbow recovery. Once your hand leaves the water, brush your fingers against your shoulder, then the top of your head. After your fingers brush your head, follow through with the rest of your stroke before it re-enters the water.
Clenched Fists
Swimming with your hands in a clenched fist forces you to use your forearm more to propel you through the water. Once your fist enters the water, point your fist toward the ground so that your forearm acts like a paddle to propel your body through the water.
Kick Drills
Various kick drills will make sure your legs are kicking from the hip rather than the knee. Try several kick drills by holding on to a kickboard and letting your legs do the work. Try kicking as fast as you can and as slow as you can, with lots of splash, no splash, no bend in the knee, and then bending the knee like you're riding a bicycle.
Member Comments