In all high level swim squads there is a big focus on perfecting these three skills:
- Push offs/streamline
- Turns
- Finishes/No breathing from the 5m flags
Even for open water swimmers and triathletes I believe there should be at least some time spent teaching athletes how to do each of these three skills properly. Even though you may not use them in a race, the better you become at moving through the water and having awareness of your body’s movement and position will help you in your feel for the water.
Doing these things right takes no extra time and it’s good discipline to get in to the habit of perfect practice in everything you do. Plus it’s ‘free’ speed when your push offs, turns and finishes improve. There’s a lot of time to be saved for most triathletes and Master’s swimmers by doing better turns!
This video explains how to do each skill correctly.
If you found this video helpful you might like Effortless Swimming Membership Program, our online coaching program for triathletes, pool swimmers and open water swimmer where you have direct access to me and our library of resources.
Yeah! The biggest difference between our champions and the rest of us, apart from fitness, youth and talent is their sense of streamlining and the quality of their grip on the water. Natalie Coughlin and Libby Tricket are about 5 foot eight and have size 7 feet. Natalie used to come up1 meter ahead of the tall girls out of starts and turns until Libby got the hang of it so they both had 2 metres free ride in a 100. Also Natalie’s [small] hand went back only about 4-5cm relative to the side of the pool when she was the 1st woman under a minute in 100 Back. By the way Thorpie kicked 28.6 for 50, but goes 10% slower doing pull buoy.
Thanks John I always appreciate your insights.