There are five main points to consider when thinking about your technique, and seeking to become more efficient

  1. Find your balancing points in the water.  These balancing points include your head, both right and left shoulders, and both right and left hips.
  2. With a solid core (your core extends from your belly to your back, just above the hip line and below the rib cage) begin to generate and coordinate rhythmic movements. These movements are generated from your five balancing points.
  3. Transfer the power of your core strength to the power of your arms and legs. Remember, a tight core leads to stronger kicking and pulling.
  4. Anchor your stroke (connect your power) at the extremities (arms, hands, legs, feet). Catch water out front with your hands, and behind with your feet.
  5. Develop a long distance per stroke and then begin to think about your cycling rates. In other words, stay long, and increase your tempo while maintaining the same distance per stroke (DPS).

Three renowned swimming coaches, Charles Silvia, North Thornton, and Bill Boomer have characterized swimming both from a physical as well as a neurological standpoint. Their main points can be summarized as follows;

  1. Swim within yourself
  2. Let the stroke carry you.  Generate inertia and go for the ride!
  3. Be neural. Feel the water, focus on balance, line, and body posture.
  4. Stay relaxed.  No muscular tension, particularly when recovering.
  5. Catch and hold water

By employing the above technique to your swimming you are guaranteed to feel more relaxed, effortless, streamlined, and as a result, faster!