Taking the plunge and learning to swim is one of the best things you can do for your physical and mental health. But with so many different styles of swimming and so much to know, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. That’s why we spoke to a few local swim instructors and experts to get their top tips for mastering the art of the strokes.
If you’re new to the water, start with a few in-person lessons with a certified instructor. That way, you’ll be able to ask questions and get personalized instruction. They’ll also be able to help you navigate the sometimes confusing world of swimming lingo. There’s a lot to take in at first, but it will all start to make sense as you progress.
In general, the more you practice, the better you’ll get. But don’t be afraid to take breaks, especially if you’re feeling overworked or frustrated. And never push yourself past your limits. A shivering, wheezing body is a sure sign that you’ve gone too far.
The most common mistake beginners make is overestimating how far they can go in a pool. It’s a lot harder to swim farther than you think. So start with a goal that’s achievable and then work your way up to longer distances.
When it comes to a good swim, it’s all about timing. This means a fast, rhythmic stroke tempo and perfect timing with your breaths. The catch-up drill is an easy-to-implement technique that will give you both of these. It allows you to surf on your leading arm, rather than plodding along on it.
This will dramatically increase your speed and allow you to power up your strokes with your back. A common fault is letting your elbow drop below your wrist’s level during the pull phase of freestyle. This is a biomechanically poor position that prevents you from recruiting the powerful muscles in your back. The solution is to raise your elbow high until your forearm is at 90 degrees.
A great swimmer knows how to keep their head up at the finish of a stroke. This minimizes frontal drag, which slows you down and eats up your energy. It’s also essential for breathing and maximizing efficiency.
A lot of swimmers forget to do this during the turn. It’s important to remember that when you’re approaching the wall, your hands should be by your thighs. This will ensure that you’re able to reposition your arms in a streamline before you hit the wall and power away from it. Also, be sure to communicate with your fellow swimmers if you’re in a crowded lane. This will avoid collisions and road rage. Ultimately, it’s better to smile and thank each other for a job well done than to criticize and be rude.