
Technique and Training
Your distance per stroke tells only part of the story in terms of your stroke.
Coaches Only / Technique and Training
Swimmers receive significant benefits from competing, and if coaches pay attention to those events, we’ll improve at our jobs.
Technique and Training
As with any physical activity, swimming offers you both good and bad days. Some days you’ll have great workouts, others you’ll slog through mediocre workouts, and some days you’ll have bad...
Technique and Training
You’ve seen them, the kids at the pool doing a happy little social kick—with their arms stretched out over the kickboard—just chatting away as they cruise up and back along the lane in packs....
Technique and Training
Push and pull: You need both.
Think about it: When you swim, the most power comes from your hands when they’re below your shoulders. The problem is, in most of the strokes, your hands are out in front or above your head for a significant portion of each swim.
Technique and Training
You don’t have to be a data junkie to be a great swimmer, but there are some compelling reasons to keep a fitness log. You can make notes on paper, create a spreadsheet, or use an online tool such as the free USMS multisport FLOG.
Technique and Training
Unlike many sports, swimming is almost solely technique-based. Simply trying harder won’t make you faster. At the risk of overgeneralizing, if you want to run faster you simply pick up the turnover...

The USMS website contains articles about sports medicine, health, and nutrition. This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional or medical advice on personal health matters. For personal medical advice, or if you are concerned about a medical condition or injury, see your healthcare provider for evaluation and care. The USMS website also contains articles about swim training and technique, including drills and workouts. All swimmers should be evaluated by a healthcare professional prior to beginning swim training. In addition, consult with a trained coach when introducing new technique or drills to your swim training program.