This week at swimgym TIMING

Ever wondered why professional swimmers seem to swim effortlessly? Well, one of the main reasons for this is that they have a great timing, they start their next stroke at exactly the right moment. This way they can combine propulsion with streamlining and they will glide through the water.
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featured workout August 24

Goal Endurance
Distance 2200
Intensity Medium
swod

swimming blog Stroke timing: connecting the dots for maximum efficiency.

freestyle TIMING

Stroke timing in freestyle swimming refers to the coordination and rhythm of the arm and leg movements during each stroke cycle. Each phase of the cycle has a specific timing and sequence of movements and we would like to break down several phases of the stroke that when you time them well tog...

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Skills & drills Switch Drill

This drill allows you to fully focus on your timing since you can visually see when your arm is coming back. During the switch drill your recovery phase is underwater. You pull, and at the same time your other arm comes back under water. 

How to do it 


  • Kick on your stomach with both arms in front

  • Pull through with one arm. Bring it back under water

  • Once the hand is exactly under your face, the other arm starts the pull-through

  • Continue this cycle

Focus points 


  • By using a snorkel, watch closely when your hand is in front of your face

  • Only then you start your catch with the other arm

  • Repeat this movement until the rhythm feels natural to you

Coach tip

Alternate this drill with the shoulder tap drill. This helps you change your timing of your pull and start gliding through the water much easier. 

Equipment:

snorkel, fins

COACH TIP

The better your timing is, the more energy you save, especially when you swim a longer distance. Try to turn your head to breathe when your arm is halfway during the pull-through, and turn your head back when you're halfway the recovery of that same arm. Your freestyle becomes smoother and breathing easier with a correct timing. Apply what you practiced during the drills in your freestyle stroke. Timing is crucial in swimming, got to time it right!

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