Body Balance – Side-to-Side Arms helps you connect and coordinate the left and right sides of your body.  

To set up the drill, use an ankle strap to secure a pull buoy between your ankles. If you have a center-mount snorkel, this would be a good time to use it.

Position your body face down and oriented over a lane line, with arms extended to the sides, forming a “T.”    When you feel horizontal and stable, sweep your right arm through the water and across your torso until the fingertips touch the upper part of your left arm.  As you move the right arm, your left arm should remain outstretched and at the surface of the water.  After the fingertips touch the left arm, sweep the right arm back across your torso and return to the “T” position.   
Hold the right arm stable and at the surface as you sweep the left arm across your body and back to the “T” position.  As much as possible, try to stay in one place as you coordinate the movement of your arms.  

In addition to coordinating his left side and right side, Kristian is developing a subtle balance between tension and fluid motion.   He maintains rigidity through his legs and torso, allowing him to stay in one place and to keep his body long and stable.  At the same time, he’s performing fluid, functional movement with his arms.  It’s this balance – between rigidity and fluidity – that is the heart of the drill.  In order to reduce drag, you must hold enough tension in the body to maintain a stable shape.   But you must also be able to perform the movements of swimming.   This drill helps you master that fine balance.


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Body Balance – Side-to-Side Arms