1. Do the Drills
To really improve your swimming, you have to do more than just swim--you have to do drills, as well. Swimming drills reinforce proper technique and strengthen muscles that tire easily. Many swimmers do drills as part of their warmup and cool-down, and some coaches make them a part of a workout.
2. Scull for 25 Meters
The scull is a drill that reinforces the concept of keeping your elbows high during swimming. Lie in the water on your belly with your head down. Bend your arms at the elbows with your arms folded in. You should feel as if you are shrugging your shoulders. When you begin to move, scull your arms back and forth like windshield wipers a few inches in front of your elbows and kick your legs. Point your palms out as you scull out and in as you scull in. You will feel like you are pressing the outside of your elbows forward. Scull across the pool for 25 meters.
3. Catch and Snap for Better Form
The catch and snap drill slows down your stroke so you can concentrate on form. Point your fingers toward the bottom of the pool and enter your hand into the water while pressing your elbow forward. Hold this position for a second, and then accelerate your hand past your hip for the snap. You can perform this drill for several laps because it is not as physically demanding as sculling.
4. Use Your Fists for Swimming, Not Fighting
The fist drill, which involves swimming with your hands in fists, gives you a feel for the water. When you do reopen your hands after this drill, you will feel like you are getting a real handful of water. If you have trouble keeping your hands in fists during this drill, you can purchase fist gloves at a swim store.
5. Zip Up Your Sides
If you swing your arms too widely when you swim, the fingertip drag/zipper is a good drill for you. While you are doing this drill, you should try to keep your body as skinny as possible. Drag your fingertips along the surface of the water during the recovery phase. Make sure that your arm is close to your body. The zipper drill is very similar; on your recovery, rub your thumb up your side to your armpit. You should feel as though you are zipping up your side.
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