Swimming is one of the most popular and effective activities for all ages, abilities, and lifestyles. It is also a key component of many wellness programs and has been shown to decrease stress, prevent chronic illness, and improve overall well-being. But to swim well, a swimmer must have the right technique and the proper equipment for his or her situation.
A streamlined body position is essential to swimming, as it reduces drag and allows a swimmer to travel faster and further. While it may take some time to master, the correct body position will help you achieve the speed and stamina that you desire in your swimming. Here are some tips for improving your body positioning in the water:
Keep your head down. Many people lift their heads too high when they breathe, which causes the rest of their bodies to sink and can create a lot of unnecessary drag. Instead, you should focus on keeping your head down and your eyes pointed to the bottom of the pool. This will allow you to breathe in without causing your hips and legs to sink down, which in turn will make it easier for you to kick.
Proper kicking technique is also important, and can greatly increase the efficiency of your swimming. Rather than kicking with long strokes, use short and powerful flutter kicks. You should also make sure that you are kicking with your whole leg, not just the toes. This will also allow you to maximize the power of your kicks, which can help you move through the water more quickly and easily.
When it comes to freestyle and backstroke, the proper arm motion is crucial to a fast, efficient swim. When the hand enters the water, it should be pinky first with the fingers spread out a little bit to increase the power of your pull. Once the hand reaches halfway down your body, it should transition from pulling to pushing water out in a backsweep. The hand should also be as vertical as possible to avoid creating drag.
It is also important to pay attention to the other swimmers in your lane, especially during a race. This will ensure that you don’t accidentally run into the wall or lane lines, and that you aren’t inadvertently blocking someone else’s swim.
Lastly, always be courteous and friendly in the water. Encourage and support your fellow swimmers, and don’t be afraid to give feedback on their techniques. However, it is generally best to leave criticism to the coach so that he or she can correct individual swimmers privately and appropriately. Otherwise, it can cause unnecessary tension and can even lead to a negative attitude toward swimming as a whole. This is not the attitude that we want to see in our community of swimmers!