The breaststroke kick is powerful, complex, and often the hardest part of the stroke to master. You've probably been told to "kick like a frog," but the real motion is much more nuanced. This lesson will break down the mechanics of a proper breaststroke kick, moving past the frog analogy to teach...

The breaststroke arm pull is a sequence of continuous, accelerating movements. Unlike freestyle or backstroke, it’s not a simple rotation; it's a powerful sweep that requires precise timing and technique. This lesson will break down the entire arm stroke into four distinct phases, complete with vi...

Sometimes, the best swimming lesson is simply to watch a master at work. And when it comes to the freestyle sprint, there are few better masters than Alexander Popov. Known as the "Russian Rocket," Popov possessed one of the most beautiful and technically efficient strokes the world has ever seen....

Sometimes, the best way to learn how to swim correctly is to see what not to do. In this post, we will analyze a short video of a freestyler swimming in an endless pool. First, watch the video and try to spot the mistakes yourself. Then, read the breakdown below to see if you correctly identifie...

Want to see what a near-perfect distance freestyle looks like? Sometimes, the best swimming lesson comes not from instruction, but from observation. We're going to break down slow-motion videos of two swimming legends, Grant Hackett and Sun Yang, to serve as your virtual coaches. By studying exact...

When swum correctly, backstroke is arguably the most graceful and beautiful of the four strokes, appearing as if the swimmer is gliding effortlessly across the water. But this effortless look is the result of mastering four key technical elements. This lesson will dissect each one - head position,...

If you've already mastered the basics of the flip in Part 1 and taking it to the wall in Part 2, it's time to fine-tune your technique for maximum speed. This advanced lesson will provide a few special tips and tricks for the flip turn professional. We'll focus on three key areas: the approach...

In our last lesson, you mastered the forward somersault in open water. Now, it's time to take that skill to its final destination: the wall. This lesson will guide you through the process of timing your approach, planting your feet, pushing off, and twisting back onto your stomach. With a little...

For many swimmers, the freestyle flip turn can seem like a complex and intimidating skill. But with a little patience and a step-by-step approach, you can master it in no time. This is the first lesson in our series on the flip turn. Before we even think about the wall, we are going to focus on th...

It's well known that the fastest breaststrokers have one of the longest and strongest pullouts. The breaststroke pullout is the underwater sequence that happens after your start or turn, before you begin your regular strokes. Why does it matter so much? Because champions know exactly when to pul...

To become a faster, stronger, and more injury-proof swimmer, you have to get out of the pool. Dryland training is just as important as the laps you put in, as it allows you to build foundational strength and fight gravity in a way that water never can. This post lays out a blueprint for a great dr...

Before you can swim fast, you must master balance. A perfectly horizontal body position is the foundation of an efficient stroke, and it all starts with learning how to float properly. This guide introduces a classic, if morbidly named drill, the dead man's float. It teaches the single most import...