We analyze a swimmer who is 2:00/100 meters to find out why his breathing, head position, and stroke rate are preventing him from swimming under 2 minutes per 100 meters! We’ll talk about what he can do to become more efficient in the water.
PROPER BREATHING TECHNIQUE
- Insufficient exhalation can cause increased heart rate and limit effort and output
- The goal is to have more exhalation, preferably through the nose, and a big puff of air before turning the head to breathe
- Emptying the lungs before inhaling allows for a more natural breath and helps keep the heart rate down
- Keeping the crown of the head out of the water while swimming
- Turning the head to the side to create a bough wave for easy breathing
- Avoiding tucking the chin into the chest to prevent blocking the airways
- Maintaining good posture by swimming tall and proud
- Lifting the sternum to avoid ducking the head too deep
- Not pushing the head down too deep to maintain the correct position
- Aiming for a stroke rate of at least 55-60 strokes per minute at race pace
- Increasing the stroke rate helps maintain a horizontal body position and reduces drag
- Using a tempo trainer or gradually increasing the rating can help increase the stroke rate
- The focus is on fixing the first three issues before moving on to other aspects of the stroke
- Keeping soft hands with enough tension to maintain form but relaxed beyond that will improve the catch phase and help achieve a high elbow position
- By reducing tension in the hands and forearms, the swimmer can work towards a high elbow catch, which will enhance stroke efficiency
- The purpose of the catch phase is to set up a high elbow position, rather than exerting excessive effort and pressing downwards
- By focusing on achieving the correct position first, the swimmer can then apply power and effort to propel
P.S. Whenever you’re ready… here are 3 ways I can help you improve your swimming:
1. Join our 8-week Faster Freestyle program.
If you’re looking for a step-by-step way to become a faster swimmer in the next 8 weeks with the precise drills and workouts to do it, this is it – Click here
2. Join our Effortless Swimming membership for swimmers ready to move up a lane.
If you’re unsure where to start and what to do to find speed, I’m working with a group of swimmers and triathletes to increase their speed, efficiency, and swim fitness. – Click here
3. Work with me directly in our stroke analysis coaching.
If you’d like to work directly with me to take you from where you’re at to 15+ secs faster per 100m, you can record your swimming each week… – Click here