Swim Technique: Quick Wins & Big Changes

I highlight these swim technique sessions and these athletes to illustrate how it is really possible to significantly change and improve your swim.

These athletes weren’t hand picked or are the ‘best examples’. These sessions all took place yesterday with people who contacted me a few weeks ago to help them with their swim performance.

Athlete One

First athlete. Just entered Ironman Wales but came to me because he cannot swim. I thought he was joking.

Nope. Can’t swim!

One length warm up. Exhausted.

After an hour, he was very relaxed in the water, with some slower and more powerful strokes. Not quite ready for the wild waters of South Wales, but laying some foundations. Amazingly, a stroke count of 22 to finish the session. “Loved it today. Feels like early progress.”

(This athlete has since gone on to complete Ironman Wales twice!)

Athlete Two

Second athlete. One of the regular swimmers at the swim group where I coach. A much better swimmer over recent months, showing off her long stroke. After close inspection and the use of some video to pinpoint and highlight issues, we worked on a few points that would improve her swimming further.

Athlete Three

Third athlete. Battled rush hour traffic from Stockport for the session. Fast swimmer who wanted / needed to develop a more efficient stroke to “turn a petrol engine into a diesel”. Identified a few key areas and dropped her stroke from 29 to 24 strokes per length, without losing any speed, to improve that efficiency.

Athlete Four

Fourth athlete. A giant. 6’6” maybe? We developed a stroke to match his size, lengthening both the reach and the pull. We developed a better hold on the water and a nice stroke rhythm too. He reduced his stroke count from 26 to 18, whilst significantly improving pace, during the 60 minute session. Listened and actioned each and every technique point.

(This athlete is now a top age-group athlete, racing at the sharp end of the field)

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If you’d like some support with your swim – either a one off 1-1, a series of 1-1 sessions, some group swim technique sessions or become part of the Swim Squad, get in touch!