This week at swimgym TIMING

You can have a good recovery, make the right motions during the pull-through and rotate properly to both sides, but do you combine everything at exactly the right moment? With the right timing all parts of your stroke will work together and your strokes will be even stronger and more efficient.

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featured workout April 06

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Distance 2700

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Skills & drills Shoulder Tap (snorkel)

The shoulder tap drill with snorkel allows you to slow down your stroke with a pause halfway your recovery, touching your shoulder briefly. With this pause you can practice your high elbow position, which makes your recovery more narrow. The snorkel allows you to fully focus on the drill so you do not have to worry about your breathing.

How to do it

Swim freestyle and breath easily through the snorkel

Let the elbow lead the recovery when your hand exits the water

Touch your shoulder with your hand, but keep your elbow above your hand

Continue the recovery and make a clean entry

Repeat this cycle on both sides

Focus points

Your elbow should point towards the ceiling

Relax your lower arm while touching your shoulder

Maintain a strong kick and keep your core engaged to prevent sinking

Coach tip

The shoulder tap drill is perfect to start your swim practice as a reminder to take control over your recovery. Even during a set you can perform this drill every now and then to keep your recovery narrow and high.

COACH TIP

Stroke length goes hand in hand with good stroke timing. An effective drill to improve stroke timing is the Shoulder Tap drill. It gives you a point of reference. It's right after the shoulder tap that you should start your next catch. This timing will lengthen your stroke, especially when combined with a strong, accelerated push-out.

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