Kristian’s version of dog paddle is an exercise in hand awareness and “feel” for the water. 

It’s important to maintain a horizontal bodyline while doing this drill.  Kristian can do this with no equipment, but we recommend using a pull buoy and snorkel to help you stay balanced while you focus on your hands.

Keep the elbows close to the body as you alternate pushing back with one hand while sliding the other hand forward.  Notice that Kristian’s elbows never go in front of the shoulders…and that his hands never go in front of the chin.

From the front, you can see the real benefit of the drill in teaching hand awareness and feel for the water.  As the hand pushes back, Kristian uses the full surface of the palm to generate propulsion.  As the other hand slides forward, Kristian positions the hand so that it creates as little resistance as possible.  The palm is up and he leads with the narrow, thumb side of the hand.   One hand generates maximum propulsion while the other hand gets out of the way.   

When this drill is done with great focus and attention, the swimmer will move at a slow but steady pace down the pool.  If the swimmer stops and starts, it usually means they are creating resistance with the recovering hand.  Work toward smooth transfer of power from one hand to the other.  

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Dog Paddle