Basic Drill Concepts

Our Teaching Methodology

The aim of our program is to lower resistance as you swim, if this can be developed over a period of time then you will swim more efficiently, save energy and leave you a lot fresher when transitioning onto the bike leg of your Triathlon.

Swim for Tri can do this by first correcting any basic faults with your stroke by using basic drills, giving regular feedback and the use of video analysis (above and below water). After correcting these early faults we begin to develop a more efficient and effective swimming stroke individually by using advanced drills particular to an individuals style. We add these drills as and when needed as the stroke develops, in a progressive fashion.

There are three key areas to helping you swim faster, smoother, longer and more efficiently through the water, these are:

Lengthen your pull: the further distance the body travels per stroke means fewer strokes needed to complete the swim distance in competitions. You must catch the stroke properly in the first instance to start a more powerful catch phase and have your body travel over your hand rather then have your hand slip under your body. This often happens if the fingers are open and the hand is slipping through a cloud of bubbles and water after a sloppy hand entry.
Stop relying on your legs to keep you afloat and propel you forwards, the legs do neither very well. Even the best leg kick in the world can only add a tiny proportion in forwards propulsion compared to that generated from the arms.
Start to swim on your side, especially the upper body, this will lower your frontal area of resistance, bring into play the stronger muscles of the back for a stronger pull and automatically lengthen your stroke.

Further info from our 'Advanced Drills Concepts'