Swim leg: what price do you pay for technical mistakes? Training tools can help

Here you will find some tips about making the best use of the training tools to help you improve and learn how to swim better.

We will never tire of saying it: swimming is all about technique. However much and well they train, if swimmers have technical flaws they will never achieve the results they are hoping for. This applies to every standard of swimmer from amateurs to professionals and triathletes.

We all know there is a tendency to underrate the importance of swim training, because it requires careful attention, dedication and time. All time that could be spent on the bike or running. But remember: you cannot ignore swimming!

Here you will find some tips about making the best use of the training tools to help you improve and learn how to swim better.

Pullkick

Most triathletes rely on the forward propulsion coming from the arms. So, using the Pullkick can help you improve your arm stroke by isolating your arm action and raising your hips to facilitate shoulder movement during the catch phase. But that is not all. The Pullkick helps swimmers swim symmetrically, allowing them to adopt an optimum position during the pull phase.

• EXERCISE:  To improve your shoulder position, place the Pullkick between your knees and imagining you are trying to hold your chest inside an imaginary rectangle. The aim is to keep your body in a straight line, avoiding any excessive lateral movement to make your arm stroke more symmetrical.

Swim Snorkel Pro

This is certainly the most underrated and least used tool in the water, either due to problems breathing “inside a tube” or because of that suffocating feeling you tend to get. But the fact is this tool vitally important tool is often overlooked.

This snorkel can really help you improve your technique and, above all, prevent you from getting your head and back in the wrong position, i.e. it prevents incorrect body alignment in the water. A snorkel helps improve your position making it as horizontal as possible. The more horizontal you are, more efficient your swim stroke will be.

• EXERCISE: If you want to improve, swim freestyle using one arm only: 2 right arm strokes – 2 left arm strokes. Alternate making two strokes with each arm. The arm you are not using must be “glued” to your side. Try and keep the snorkel absolutely still so you are working on your “core”.

Paddles

Among arena’s various models, the Elite Hand Paddles and Elite Finger Paddles can be used by triathletes in lots of ways. The Elite Hand Paddles allow you to catch more water, so you do not get that feeling it is slipping through your fingers. The Finger Paddles, on the other hand, reduce the load on your shoulders so you can focus on the catch, pull and thrust phases. 

• EXERCISE: To improve your arm stroke, put on the paddles and try the zipper freestyle drill. Starting with your arms stretched out in front of you, begin your stroke with just one arm focusing carefully on the pull and thrust. At this point, when your arm is completely extended along your side, focus on your recovery and on keeping your elbow high as if you were closing a zipper before extending your arm out in front of you again.

Technique is important. Learn how to work on it properly.