COACH’S TIPS

OPTIMISE YOUR SWIM

Feel your catch

Sculling and transition sculling drills will help you to develop a better feel for the water and achieve an optimised high-elbow catch position. Swim off your drills for better transfer.

Use paddles

Use freestyle technique paddles to correct your catch and stroke rather than build strength. If you have faults in your stroke, using larger conditioning paddles can increase injury risk.

draw a smiley face!

Use video, observation and even try drawing a smiley face on your palms so you can see it smiling back at you when you’re getting your arm/ hand in the correct position.