THE TECHNIQUE TOOLKIT: 7 SWIM PRODUCTS TO HELP YOU SWIM FASTER
Swimming is an amazing sport, but staring at the black line can get boring. Sometimes you need a little distraction to stay motivated.
But the best distractions are the ones that make you faster. I like to call them "coaching toys", equipment designed not just to make swimming easier, but to force you into better technique.
This article will break down 7 pieces of gear that give you the edge you need to improve your stroke, breathing, and rotation.
Dive Into: The Best Gear for Technique
- Category 1: Mastering Breath & Body Position
- Category 2: Perfecting Hip Rotation
- Category 3: Building Power & Kick
- Category 4: Isolating the Pull
- Frequently Asked Questions
Category 1: Mastering Breath & Body Position
If you are going to buy only one piece of equipment, the Swimmer's Snorkel gives you the best bang for your buck.
By attaching a snorkel to your forehead, you eliminate the need to turn your head to breathe. This allows you to relax and focus 100% on your head position and body rotation. It is a must-have for every swimmer.
Here is an article to help you with your Swimmer's snorkel breathing technique.
2. Snorkel Attachments (Cardio Cap & Dry Top) You can upgrade your snorkel with two clever attachments:
- Cardio Cap: restricts the airflow to make your lungs and diaphragm work harder.
- Dry Top: prevents water from entering the tube, which is great for beginners who are afraid of inhaling water.
Category 2: Perfecting Hip Rotation
3. The Hydro Hip The Hydro Hip is a belt with two fins on the sides. These fins create resistance against the water as you rotate. This forces you to use your core muscles to drive the rotation, building a more powerful stroke. When you take it off, your rotation will feel effortless.
4. The Tech Toc The Tech Toc is another belt, but instead of resistance, it uses sound. It contains a ball bearing in a plastic capsule. When you rotate your hips correctly, the ball hits the side, making a "click" sound. No click means no rotation. It's an instant auditory feedback tool.
Category 3: Building Power & Kick
5. The Mono Fin Want to feel fast? Strap on a Mono Fin. By binding your feet together, it forces you to use your entire core and hips to generate a powerful dolphin kick. It's an incredible workout for your abs and helps you feel the flow of the water.
6. ShinFins If you have a "bicycle kick" (bending your knees too much), ShinFins are the answer. Because they strap to your shin, they force you to keep your legs straighter and kick from the hip. I use these with novice swimmers all the time with great results.
Category 4: Isolating the Pull
7. The Pull Buoy A classic for a reason. The Pull Buoy goes between your legs to keep them afloat without kicking. This allows you to isolate your arms and focus entirely on your pull mechanics. Just be careful not to stop rotating your hips!
There you have it. A toolkit for a better stroke. Read about the gear before you buy it, or ask a question in the comments below. Happy swimming!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the single most useful piece of swim gear for technique?
The center-mount swimmer's snorkel is widely considered the most useful tool. By eliminating the need to turn your head to breathe, it allows you to focus 100% on your body position, rotation, and catch.
Do I need special gear to improve my body rotation?
While drills are the best way to improve rotation, tools like the Hydro Hip or Tech Toc can provide resistance or auditory feedback to help you feel the correct motion. They act as 'training wheels' for your rotation.
What is a monofin used for?
A monofin binds your feet together into a single large fin. It is fantastic for developing a powerful, rhythmic dolphin kick that originates from the core and hips, rather than just the knees.
Should I use a pull buoy all the time?
No. A pull buoy is great for isolating your arms and giving your legs a break, but overusing it can lead to a lazy core and poor rotation. Use it for specific pulling sets, not as a crutch for the whole workout.
What are ShinFins?
ShinFins are unique fins that strap to your shins rather than your feet. They are excellent for correcting a 'bicycle kick' by forcing you to keep your legs straighter and kick from the hip.
LNURL1DP68GURN8GHJ7URP0YHRXD3SWDMKJMFWVDHK6TMVDE6HYMRS9A4HSCNCWFXSH3NN0H- or simply send using my Lightning Address⚡swmtr@360swim.com or swmtr@getalby.com
Comments (3)
Also what about using flippers or arm scooper things so we can cup more water and use more arm resistance and go further with fewer strokes?
Arm scoopers (also called paddles) are good, but not to be used without proper training as they could hurt your shoulders if not used properly.