Kristian uses the Freestyle Back-Tap Drill to develop effective timing between his recovering arm and his pulling arm.    The goal is to connect the forward momentum of the recovering – or throwing – arm…with the backward pressure of the pulling arm.   With correct timing, the recovery and the pull will augment each other.  

Start the drill by flutter kicking with one arm extended and the other arm at your side.   Keep the lead hand shallow to reduce drag while kicking…and to generate lift when you initiate the catch.  Maintain a balanced bodyline!

Lift the trailing arm slightly out of the water, then tap it lightly to the hip.  Then, using a straight-arm recovery, power the trailing arm forward at the same time that you initiate the catch and pull with the lead arm.  Resist the temptation to pull with the hand that just entered the water!  Keep it extended as you continue to flutter kick and get ready for the next cycle.

Don’t rush through this drill!  Maintain your flutter kick and one-arm-extended/one-arm-trailing body position while you prepare mentally for the next cycle.  The purpose of the drill is to work on the timing of how to use straight-arm recovery in a functional way.

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Freestyle - Back-Tap Drill