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Do you wish your freestyle swimming technique was smooth and effortless? Have you had enough of becoming exhausted after swimming a short distance?
Quite often it is the simplest swimming technique tips that make the biggest difference to your overall stroke.
So, here it is. Broken down into its FIVE component parts with a recommended basic drill to help improve each part.
Watch the video demo and then scroll down to the illustrated technique breakdown.
Long, flat and streamlined is the order of the day here. A flat and streamlined shape in the water is the most efficient and this shape must be maintained throughout all movements.
Common mistake: Hands apart and head position too high.
Best drill: Push and glide from the poolside.
Click here for more on freestyle body position.
The continuous alternating leg kick has to be relaxed, with the kick coming from the hip and the knee and ankle joints relaxed. The legs overall provide some propulsion but mainly give balance to the arms.
Common mistake: Kicking from the knee
Best drill: Kicking whilst holding a kickboard
Click here for more about freestyle leg kick.
The arms provide the power and propulsion for the stroke and their continuous movement should not be rushed. The arm pull should be complete, from extended in front pulling through to the hip, with the recovery over the water surface.
Common mistake: Arm pull not long enough
Best drill: Single arm pull holding a kickboard in one hand
Click here for more about freestyle arm action.
Trickle breathing is the most comfortable and efficient, breathing out into the water during the stroke and rolling the head to the side to inhale again. Explosive breathing is possible but can be exhausting.
Common mistake: Lifting the head to breathe disturbing the body position
Best drill: Holding a kickboard with a diagonal grip, kicking and breathing
Click here for more about freestyle breathing.
Four or six leg kicks per arm cycle are recommended for the best overall balance of freestyle technique. Two kicks per arm cycle are also performed over longer distances to save energy.
Common mistake: Kicking too fast causing arms to speed up
Best drill: Catch up, with or without a kickboard
Click here for more about freestyle timing.
The complete set of basic drills covering the whole stroke is available to download in my very popular eBook 'How To Swim Front Crawl'.
Clearly presented simple theory and fully illustrated to show exactly what each part of your body should be doing. Packed with the best freestyle swimming technique tips.
Download your copy below or click here for more details.
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