Competitive swimming requires precision and practice, but even seasoned swimmers can develop habits that hinder performance. Professional instructors play a vital role in identifying and correcting these errors to optimise technique and efficiency. Here are some common mistakes in competitive strokes and how experienced teachers address them.
1. Freestyle: Dropping the Elbow
The Problem: A low elbow during the freestyle pull reduces propulsion and increases drag.
The Fix: Coaches emphasise high-elbow drills, such as fingertip dragging, to encourage proper arm positioning and a stronger pull.
2. Backstroke: Over-Rotation
The Problem: Excessive body rotation in backstroke disrupts balance and slows progress.
The Fix: Teachers use rotation-limiting drills, like swimming with a kickboard under the hips, to train swimmers to maintain controlled rotation.
3. Breaststroke: Inefficient Timing
The Problem: Poor coordination between the arm pull and leg kick leads to wasted energy and slower speeds.
The Fix: Coaches introduce drills that isolate each movement, followed by timed combinations, ensuring smooth transitions between strokes.
4. Butterfly: Overusing the Arms
The Problem: Relying too heavily on arm strength rather than utilising the full body leads to fatigue and reduced stroke power.
The Fix: Teachers focus on the dolphin kick, training swimmers to generate propulsion from their core and hips while maintaining arm efficiency.
5. General: Breathing Errors
The Problem: Lifting the head too high for breaths in freestyle or mis-timed breaths in butterfly and breaststroke disrupt the stroke rhythm.
The Fix: Breathing drills, like side-kicking with controlled head turns, help swimmers integrate efficient breathing patterns into their strokes.
6. Starts and Turns: Poor Execution
The Problem: Weak starts and slow turns waste valuable time in races.
The Fix: Coaches work on explosive starts and precise flip turns, using video analysis to highlight areas for improvement and track progress.
7. Body Position: Drag-Inducing Alignment
The Problem: A misaligned body increases resistance and reduces speed.
The Fix: Teachers introduce streamline drills, like gliding off the wall with arms extended, to reinforce proper alignment.
Professional Guidance Makes the Difference
Correcting these errors requires an experienced eye and tailored coaching strategies. Explore opportunities for Professional Stroke Technique Coaching to refine your technique and enhance your performance.
Perfect Your Strokes
Identifying and fixing common swimming errors is key to unlocking your potential. With the right guidance, you can overcome inefficiencies, improve your strokes, and gain a competitive edge in the pool.