Want to become a better swimmer and glide through the water like a pro? Mastering swimming requires more than just strokes and kicks. It’s about technique, mindset, and understanding the water.
From honing your technique to embracing fun, here are 11 lessons from the experts that will elevate your swimming game.
1. Technique Before Speed
Before you can speed through the water like a torpedo, it’s important to master the basic techniques. Swimming is more than just moving your arms and kicking your legs; it’s about how efficiently you can do so. Good technique reduces drag and maximises propulsion, allowing you to swim faster with less effort.
Start by focusing on your body position; it should be as horizontal as possible to minimise resistance. Then, pay attention to your stroke. Are you reaching far enough? Are you pulling all the way through? Even the positioning of your hand can affect your speed and stamina.
Professional swimmers spend countless hours perfecting their strokes. They know that a small tweak in technique can shave seconds off their time. You should do the same.
2. Take A Look At Your Swimming Metrics
What gets measured gets managed. This adage is as true in competitive swimming as it is in business. Monitoring your swimming metrics can give you insights into your performance and where to improve. These metrics might include your stroke rate, speed, distance per stroke, and times for set distances.
Nowadays, with the mass availability of waterproof technology, swimmers can use various devices to track these metrics in real-time. Understanding your data is crucial. For instance, if your speed decreases over time, it might indicate a need for better stamina or a sign that your technique falters when you tire.
If your stroke rate is too high, you might be wasting energy. On the other hand, if it’s too low, you might not be maximising your potential. By analysing your swimming metrics, you can decide what aspects of your training to focus on.
3. Work Hard, But Have Fun
Commitment and enjoyment go hand in hand. Rigorous swim sessions and repetitive drills can become monotonous, but integrating fun into your routine keeps the passion alive. Remember why you started swimming – for most, it began as play.
Maintain that sense of joy, whether through games, friendly competitions, or simply enjoying the sensation of water. This balance can significantly enhance both your mental stamina and physical performance.
4. Find The Right Swimming Coach
A suitable coach can be a game-changer. Our coaches at JustSwim provide technical correction and training strategies and offer motivation and mental support. They understand your goals and have the technical expertise to guide you effectively.
When choosing a coach, assess his experience and track record, particularly in working with swimmers at your level and within your preferred swimming event. Effective communication is necessary; your coach should be able to provide feedback tailored to your needs and goals.
Additionally, ensure that the coach’s teaching style and personality align with your learning preferences. Some swimmers thrive with a strict coach, while others prefer a more nurturing approach. Evaluate accessibility and cost, and don’t hesitate to request references or testimonials from other swimmers who have benefitted from the coach’s expertise.
5. Train With Swim Fins
Swim fins are not just for beginners. They can help even seasoned swimmers by improving leg strength, ankle flexibility, and overall speed. Fins add resistance to your kick, helping build muscle and power.
They also elevate your body position in the water, allowing for a better technique and reducing drag. Use them wisely in training for targeted improvements.
Training with swim fins has proven benefits. Studies indicate they can significantly enhance a swimmer’s propulsion and speed due to increased leg strength and improved technique. They also help lengthen the stroke and improve overall swimming efficiency by allowing swimmers to feel the correct propulsion from their kicks.
Incorporating fins into regular training can lead to marked improvements in swimming performance.
6. Learn More About Your Swimming Event
Specialising in your event means understanding its unique demands, strategies, and techniques. Each stroke and distance requires a different approach. Excessive power and speed are crucial for sprint events, while endurance and pacing are key for longer distances.
Study and analyse races, understand the different phases of your event, and tailor your training accordingly. Researching the best swimmers in your specific event and understanding their techniques, training regimens, and strategies is beneficial.
If you are competing in the men’s 1500 freestyle event, look into the training and workout routines of Ahmed Hafnaoui and Bobby Finke, who are two of the fastest swimmers in the same event.
Analysing races can provide invaluable insights into what makes them successful, allowing you to incorporate aspects of their approach into your training. This kind of targeted research can significantly inform and inspire your practice.
7. Think About Swimming More
People who love swimming think about swimming all the time. And there’s some benefit in doing this. Mental rehearsal and visualisation are powerful tools. Supplementing physical practice with mental training can lead to significant improvements.
It’s about creating a mental image of executing the perfect swim, imagining the feel of the water, the rhythm of your stroke, turns, and even the sensation of speed. This mental practice can enhance neural patterns as effectively as physical practice in some aspects, improving actual performance.
It’s a technique many elite athletes use to prepare for competition and improve their technique.
8. Invest In A High-Quality Swimming Kit
Unlike other sports, swimming doesn’t require a lot of gear. That’s why it’s a wonder why some swimmers don’t have a good swimming kit. Investing in high-quality swim gear can significantly impact your performance and comfort.
Good goggles, a well-fitting swimsuit, and a comfortable cap can make a big difference. Consider the materials and designs that suit your specific needs and preferences. The right equipment reduces drag, increases comfort, and improves mood and confidence.
9. Film Your Training
Recording your swims allows for a detailed analysis of your technique. Watching yourself swim can reveal habits and patterns you might not notice inside the water. It offers the perspective of coaches and spectators, helping identify areas for improvement.
Use these recordings to track your progress, share with your coach for feedback, and compare your technique to top swimmers. It’s a powerful tool for self-improvement and fine-tuning your performance.
Consider using different angles and slow-motion features when filming to get a comprehensive view of your technique and make more precise adjustments. Both are vital for swimmers to refine their skills and enhance their performance.
10. Add Running Into Your Training
Running can be a beneficial cross-training activity for swimmers, but it should be done in moderation and with specific goals. Running can improve cardiovascular fitness, leg strength, and overall endurance, which can complement swimming performance.
However, excessive running can lead to muscle fatigue and potentially impact swim training. It’s essential to balance running and swimming in your training regimen, focusing on quality rather than quantity.
Ask your coach or trainer to create a well-rounded training plan that incorporates both activities effectively.
11. Pay Attention To Your Nutrition
Swimmers should prioritise their nutrition as it plays a crucial role in fueling their performance and aiding recovery. A balanced diet is key, including carbohydrates for energy, lean protein for muscle repair, and healthy fats for overall health.
Staying well-hydrated with water and electrolyte-rich drinks is essential to prevent dehydration. Timing is key; swimmers should eat balanced meals and snacks throughout the day to maintain energy levels.
It’s advisable to have a small, easily digestible meal 1-2 hours before training and refuel with protein and carbohydrates post-workout to support muscle recovery.
Additionally, consulting with a sports nutritionist can provide personalised guidance and meal planning, ensuring that swimmers are getting the nutrients they need to perform at their best.
Conclusion About How To Be A Better Swimmer
Becoming a better swimmer is a journey that requires dedication, the right guidance, and a passion for the sport. The nine lessons from professionals we’ve explored encompass what it takes to excel in swimming.
To embark on this journey and receive expert coaching, consider JustSwim’s swimming lessons in Singapore. Our experienced coaches are well-equipped to help you become a proficient and confident swimmer, providing personalised guidance and fostering a love for swimming.
Whether you’re a beginner or aiming for competitive excellence, JustSwim Singapore is your partner in reaching your swimming goals. Book an adult or kids swimming lesson in Singapore today!
Frequently Asked Questions About How To Be A Better Swimmer
Is Cross-Training, Such As Running Or Weightlifting, Beneficial For Swimmers?
Cross-training can complement swimming by improving overall fitness, strength, and endurance. However, it should be done in moderation to avoid overuse injuries.
How Can I Prevent Burnout And Stay Motivated In My Swimming Journey?
Mixing up your training routine, setting achievable goals, and finding enjoyment in the sport is essential for preventing burnout and maintaining motivation.
How Often Should I Practise To See Significant Improvement?
Consistency is key. Regular training, at least a few times a week, is essential to make noticeable progress in swimming skills.
What Are The Benefits Of Joining A Swim Club Or Team For Improving My Swimming Skills?
Swim clubs provide a supportive community, structured training plans, and opportunities for competition, all of which can accelerate your improvement as a swimmer.
