How to Swim Smoothly and Easily
1. Maximize Distance Per Stroke
One of the key ways to swim faster over long distances is by improving your DPS. Instead of focusing on increasing your stroke rate, lengthening your stroke allows you to cover more water with each movement. The more efficient your strokes, the fewer you’ll need to complete a lap, conserving energy in the process. This technique not only helps with endurance but also results in faster times as you become more streamlined in the water.
2. Sustainable Pace for Long Distances
When swimming distance freestyle, maintaining a sustainable pace is crucial. A pace that’s too fast can lead to burnout early in the swim, while a pace that’s too slow won’t get you to the finish line as quickly as you’d like. In my demonstration, I show how swimming at too fast a tempo can break you down, leading to inefficiencies and slower overall times. By finding the right tempo for your body, you can sustain speed while using minimal energy.
3. Swim with Minimal Kicking
Many swimmers waste energy by over-kicking during long-distance swims. For distance freestyle, minimal kicking is often more effective. Instead, focus on using your core and upper body to propel you forward while keeping your kick light and controlled. This way, you save your legs for the later stages of the swim—or, if you’re training for a triathlon, for the bike and run portions.
4. Implement the SWIMVICE Speed Program
If you’re serious about achieving faster swim times with minimal energy output, my SWIMVICE Speed Program is here to help. This program includes a pacing calculator that allows you to input your current swim metrics and desired race time. Whether you’re targeting a sub-hour 2.4-mile Ironman swim or a 25-minute 1.2-mile swim, the pacing calculator will help you find the perfect stroke rate, distance per stroke, and tempo to reach your goals efficiently.
Final Thoughts
Join Our Kickstart Course to Enhance Your Freestyle Technique – Perfect for Novice or Intermediate Swimmers
If you’re eager to master the art of swimming smoothly and easily, join our comprehensive online swimming course. Designed for swimmers of all levels, our course offers detailed instruction, video demonstrations, and personalized feedback to help you improve your technique and efficiency.
Sign up now and start your journey towards becoming a smoother, more efficient swimmer!
Personalized Coaching:
Schedule a consultation with Coach Mandy to receive tailored advice for your swimming technique. Click here or the calendar below:
Email for Lessons:
For personalized lessons, email us at lessons@swimvice.com to start your swimming journey with individualized guidance.
