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Mastering your technique in the pool is difficult but essential.
Water is 800 times denser than air. So it takes a lot to move through the water. You can’t just muscle your way through.
The more efficiently you move through, the less resistance the water will provide.
Whilst we don’t know by how much, it’s widely accepted that a large percentage of how fast you swim is down to your technique in the water.
Learning to swim efficiently can be done on a few basic principles. Still, you need to master those principles before you start working on your swimming fitness. Otherwise, you are just fighting against yourself.
1. Practice with a buddy
Really you can only learn to swim well by being coached in a pool. We can talk about drills, technical cues and anything else here. Still, it’s practising with someone watching you which will make the difference.
2. Record your practice session
If you know what you are looking for, this feedback can come from a fellow swimmer or family member. If they have access to a smartphone, they can video you, and you can review what’s going on afterwards.
3. Activate all your muscle groups
There’s an injury component to this advice. If you are swimming with poor technique, you may rely on minor muscles to do the bulk of the work. You won't be activating those big muscles we have.
Executing technique well means you are using the key muscles effectively.
4. Work with a coach
Whatever level of swimmer you are, you will be able to benefit from some technical coaching. Even one lesson will make a difference.
