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Lessons

Browse through our thousands of Lessons to gain a deeper understanding of swimming. Use our search bar located above or, if you're new to the site, use the Guided View to help narrow down the Lessons presented to you. If you use the Guided View, you’ll also be able to add your Expertise Level as an additional filter.

September 9, 2025 - Breaststroke Shoulders

September 9, 2025 - Breaststroke Shoulders

Breaststroke Shoulders Discussion The topic for the meeting was breaststroke shoulders, a subject Alex admitted he doesn't often focus on but found interesting to explore. He planned to share videos and discuss the role of shoulder action in the stroke. Breaststroke Technique and Positioning Aleks discussed Amanda's breaststroke technique, focusing on her shoulder shrug and hip engagement. He explained how Amanda's vertical body position and forward hip drive naturally result in an upward shoulder shrug. Aleks also covered the importance of hand recovery in breaststroke, noting that while Amanda brings her hands high out of the water, younger swimmers should keep their hands at the surface and drive them forward. He emphasized the need for a straight, flat recovery and warned about the risk of DQs with high arm positions. Finally, Aleks stressed the importance of maintaining a streamlined position to reduce drag and increase speed. Breaststroke Techniques and Drills Aleks discussed various breaststroke techniques and drills, emphasizing the importance of body position, hip drive, and hand recovery. He highlighted how maintaining a straight line from fingertips to toes and keeping the head down can improve stroke efficiency. Aleks also explained the benefits of keeping the elbows close to the body during the pull phase and snapping the hands forward quickly to facilitate a smooth recovery. He noted that sprint breaststroke requires a different approach compared to endurance breaststroke, but the fundamental principles remain the same. Effective Swimming Techniques Discussed Aleks shared a video of Brennan Hansen swimming and discussed the technique he demonstrated. He highlighted how Hansen's small profile in the water and his ability to create a cone of disruption showed effective cutting through the water. Aleks emphasized the importance of making a "bed" with the arms extended forward before laying the head down, which he said was a key part of the stroke technique. He praised Glenn for capturing unique angles of the swimmer that defy expectations. Breaststroke Pull Width Optimization Aleks discussed a breaststroke drill that demonstrates how swimmers can experiment with different pull widths to find the optimal balance between body drive and drag reduction. He explained that while some swimmers benefit from a wide pull, others may need to be more narrow, and emphasized the importance of finding the right position that allows for maximum hip movement and forward momentum. The drill involves gradually widening the pull while observing how the hips track forward and the body rises out of the water, ultimately helping swimmers achieve a more efficient stroke. Breaststroke Technique and Training Discussion Alex shared a story about a Russian swimmer who participated in a Zoominterview during the COVID-19 pandemic, discussing their experience transitioning from swimming in Russia to the United States. Barbara and Melinda discussed the role of elbows in breaststroke technique, with Barbara emphasizing the importance of bringing elbows in to create a good profile and Melinda noting that excessive elbow squeezing can cause shoulder pain. Alex suggested using drills like swimming with a noodle under the armpits and lying on a landline to prevent novices from pulling back too far. Paul Frentsos had a question about shrugging in breaststroke technique, but the transcript ended before he could ask it. Forward Swimming Techniques Discussion Paul and Aleks discussed swimming techniques, focusing on maintaining forward momentum and balance in the water. They agreed that teaching swimmers to keep their arms forward and avoid pulling their elbows too far back is crucial, especially for younger athletes. Aleks emphasized the importance of head position and using techniques like the tennis ball under the chin to help swimmers stay forward as they breathe. They also discussed how powerful kicks and pulls can help swimmers overcome the challenges of pulling too far back. Breaststroke Immersion Techniques The discussion focused on breaststroke technique, particularly regarding the optimal depth of immersion. Aleks explained that immersion depth is swimmer-dependent and varies by event, noting that 50 breaststrokers should be flatter on the surface while 200 breaststrokers need more depth. They emphasized that proper technique involves maintaining a forward hand recovery, avoiding hand drop, and keeping the head down, with the body naturally finding its appropriate depth based on these fundamentals. Breaststroke Technique Analysis and Insights The discussion focused on comparing breaststroke techniques between swimmers Kate Douglas and Lily King. Aleks shared insights about Lily's development from a tempo-driven 200 breaststroker to a more forward-oriented technique, while Paul observed Kate's adaptation from 200 to 100 breaststroke by adjusting her tempo and stroke rate. Karen noted that swimmers sometimes struggle with trusting a forward pull and powerful kick rather than relying on increased stroke rate, and mentioned a technique tip about forehead positioning in breaststroke. Breaststroke Technique and Training The discussion focused on breaststroke technique and training, with Aleks sharing their approach to teaching swimmers to minimize stroke counts, particularly aiming for 4-6 strokes for boys and girls respectively. They emphasized the importance of focusing on body drive and hip engagement rather than shoulder movement, citing Leon Marchand's efficient 2-stroke 25m split as an example of what can be achieved through consistent training. Robin contributed insights about the importance of maintaining the correct line in breaststroke, noting that getting just one inch under the water can reduce surface drag by 50%, while Paul inquired about tips for naturally faster breaststroke swimmers, to which Aleks recommended using a tempo trainer to analyze and improve stroke tempo. Swimming Tempo Trainer Techniques Alex Fansler discussed using tempo trainers to help swimmers understand and adjust their pace, particularly by making gradual changes in 25-second intervals. He emphasized the importance of translating tempo trainer exercises to actual swimming through stroke counting, which helps swimmers maintain their pace without the metronome. For next week's session, Barbara suggested focusing on what coaches should be concerned about as the new swim season begins, including fundamentals like streamlines, dolphin kicks, and pullouts.

Freestyle Full Body

Freestyle Full Body

After you watch the video, take a short quiz. When we look at all the parts of James’s stroke, from fingertips to toes, several things stand out. His head is low – you can see almost all of it under the surface – and his hips are high. As a result (head low, hips high), he maintains a clean, horizontal bodyline. From above the surface, you can see just a tiny bit of James’s cap during the breath, but then it slides beneath the surface during the rest of the stroke. The hips are visible as he rotates cleanly through the water. But what REALLY catches our eye is how James drives his hand into full extension…on every single stroke. This extension is the defining aspect of James’s freestyle, and it makes everything else fall into place. It causes his body to rotate, it helps him achieve a horizontal body line. It lets him move forward with minimal effort from the kick and pull. At slow speed, James has almost a catch-up stroke. If we freeze it here…you can see that the lead arm is still almost fully extended as the recovering hand enters the water. From overhead, you can really see the catch-up nature of his stroke at slow speed. He swaps one hand for the other, maintaining maximum extension. When James picks up the pace, the legs become more active and he lets go, just a bit, of his catch-up timing. If we freeze it here…you can see that the lead arm has dropped into the catch as the recovering hand enters the water. But notice that he is STILL focused intently on driving his fingertips forward and maintaining his bodyline. At top speed, the legs are fully engaged, and James has moved away from catch-up timing. We can see that here… his pulling arm has connected and is well into the pull when the recovering hand enters the water. We can also see it in this overhead view. BUT…even as he approaches full speed, James still reaches FULL extension on every stroke. He remains laser-focused and true to this ONE technique point. He knows that, by reaching full extension…even if just for a moment…on every stroke…all the other aspects of a fast freestyle fall into place. His head will be low and stable. His breath will be low. His hips will ride high. His body line will be horizontal. He’s basically “getting out of his own way” and allowing his kick and pull to give maximum propulsion. And in this overhead shot, let’s notice one more thing: the way his hands stay relaxed as they search for clean water and a solid catch.

Freestyle - Full Body - Bruno

Freestyle - Full Body - Bruno

After you watch the video, take a short quiz. When we look at all the parts of Bruno’s stroke, from fingertips to toes, several things stand out. His head is low. His body rides high on the water. His hips are visible with each rotation of the torso and core. But what REALLY catches our eye is Bruno’s singular focus on driving each hand into full extension…on every single stroke. When Bruno swims slowly, this extension is all he thinks about. And it’s all he NEEDS to think about because it causes his body to rotate, it helps him achieve a horizontal body line, and lets him move forward with minimal effort from the kick and pull. When Bruno picks up the pace, the legs become more active and engaged. But Bruno is still focused intently on driving his fingertips forward. When we freeze-frame at the point of maximum extension, Bruno’s line is beautiful. The line from fingertips to armpit is perfectly level and horizontal. This line extends through the hips and legs all the way to the feet. Bruno seems to have developed a heightened feel for this position and he gets to it as quickly as he can on every arm stroke. Being level like this helps him “sail” through the water. By extending fully out front, the rest of his body levels out and he gets out of his own way. At this increased pace, notice that Bruno’s head is still low and that his hips ride high in the water. At sub-race pace, he works on staying as long and level as possible. While he will breathe very little in a 50-meter race, he works on having a low, efficient breath for his 100-meter races.

May 27, 2025 - Breaststroke Timing

May 27, 2025 - Breaststroke Timing

GoSwim Live - Breaststroke Timing No two breaststrokes are alike.  But great breaststrokes share one thing: streamline timing.  Join us this week as we discuss how and why to improve your breaststroke timing and LINE. Monday Brendan Hansen: Streamline Timing Slow-motion footage of Brendan Hansen reveals his timing.  Get the front end of the body back into streamline before delivering the kick. https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/237-streamline-timing Tuesday Amanda Beard: Streamline! For Amanda Beard, breaststroke timing comes down to creating as little resistance as possible when she pulls, kicks, and glides. https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/524-streamline Wednesday Eric Shanteau: Breaststroke Timing “Breaststroke is all about timing.  If your timing is off, different parts of your body are going to be fighting each other and your whole stroke will be off.”  -- Eric Shanteau https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/733-breaststroke-timing Thursday Breaststroke Drill: Kick Recovery Timing (Adam Ritter) Here’s how to time the recovery of your kick for a faster breaststroke.  It’s all about maintaining your LINE for as long as possible in each stroke cycle. https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2084-breaststroke-kick-recovery-timing Friday Breaststroke Drill: Separation Drill Here’s a great combination: Glenn Mills demonstrating a Steve Haufler drill for improving your breaststroke timing. https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1391-breaststroke-separation-drill Saturday Breaststroke Drill: Toe-Draw Recovery This timing focus lasts for an instant but can have a major impact on improving your breaststroke LINE. https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1968-breaststroke-toe-draw-recovery Sunday Breaststroke Drill: Timing Your Breath Are you muscling your stroke…or finessing it?  The answer lies in how you time the breath. https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/921-breaststroke-timing-your-breath Summary Website Development and Future Plans Glenn and Thomas discussed the development of Glenn's website, noting its evolution since 2007-2008. They briefly touched on the high cost of transcription services in the past, with Glenn mentioning that AI advancements might now make such services more affordable. The conversation then shifted to Glenn's plans for a clinic and race, which he had to miss this year but hopes to attend next year. The conversation ended with Glenn preparing to start a recording about breaststroke timing, with Berrin confirming the video quality looked good. Enhancing Young Swimmers' Techniques Glenn shared insights from a clinic with young swimmers in Indiana, emphasizing the importance of teaching stroke length, stroke rate, and proper technique. He highlighted how focusing on breaststroke can significantly impact young athletes' understanding of swimming concepts. Glenn stressed the significance of achieving a streamlined position and gliding for longer periods, which are skills that elite swimmers can master by slowing down. He also discussed the need to convey to young swimmers the idea that they can emulate the techniques of Olympians by owning the environment of the water and making productive movements. Breaststroke Technique and Timing Glenn discussed breaststroke technique, focusing on timing and body position. He emphasized the importance of "down and out" before "up and in" movements, and explained how to achieve a streamlined position underwater. Glenn also highlighted the significance of proper foot engagement and timing, advocating for the front of the body to be ready to accept propulsion before the kick. He stressed the importance of hitting the line at the end of each stroke and encouraged continuous practice of these techniques. Understanding Amanda's Breaststroke Technique Glenn discussed the swimming techniques of Amanda, focusing on her breaststroke style and the mathematical principles behind it. He explained that Amanda's high swimming position was not just a rule to follow but had a specific reason, which was later understood through Amanda's analysis. Glenn highlighted how Amanda's technique, particularly her use of the streamline position, differs from what is typically taught, emphasizing the importance of understanding the "why" behind swimming techniques. Breaststroke Technique Analysis and Adaptation Glenn analyzed Amanda's breaststroke technique, noting her unique ability to draw her arms high while maintaining power and efficiency. He emphasized that while her technique might appear flawed to beginners, it demonstrates the importance of finding the right balance in breaststroke through mathematical equations and individual adaptation. Glenn also discussed the role of the pole in breaststroke, explaining that it anchors a spot in the water to draw the hips forward, and highlighted Amanda's ankle flexibility and kick strength as key factors in her success. Breaststroke Kick Technique Analysis Glenn discussed breaststroke technique, focusing on the timing and positioning of the kick. He analyzed videos of swimmers like Eric Chanto and Adam Ritter to demonstrate how different athletes execute the stroke with varying degrees of kick recovery and flexibility. Glenn emphasized the importance of delayed kicking and full body extension, attributing these techniques to successful coaches like Eddie Reese and David Marsh. He also introduced the separation drill as a method to teach swimmers to delay the initiation of the kick, highlighting its effectiveness in improving stroke technique. Russian Swimmer's Artistic Breaststroke Technique Glenn presented a video analysis of a Russian swimmer's breaststroke technique, highlighting her exceptional hip and ankle flexibility, early foot turnout, and smooth foot recovery. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a narrow kick recovery and keeping the toes together for as long as possible during the stroke. Glenn compared the swimmer's technique to Russian ballet, describing it as "artistic" and "beautiful," and suggested that swimmers focus on the sliding motion of the front of the foot and toe during the stroke. Breaststroke Technique and Movement Fundamentals Glenn discussed breaststroke technique, emphasizing the importance of proper timing and head position. He showed a video of a swimmer demonstrating incorrect technique, with the head too high. Glenn explained that in breaststroke, the hands should primarily move outwards rather than backwards, using leverage to draw the body forward. He also shared insights from his experience filming with Ernie in 1983, highlighting the minimal backstroke movement in breaststroke. Beth asked about the concept of pushing water backwards versus an "out and in" motion, to which Glenn confirmed that breaststroke involves more of an outwards movement. Breaststroke Coaching and Technique Discussion The group discussed breaststroke coaching techniques, with Aleks explaining their focus on separation drills and pull work with children, particularly using butterfly kick to improve timing. Glenn shared a story about a para athlete who demonstrated resilience during a drill involving push-ups for incorrect stroke counts. The discussion covered ankle flexibility exercises and their importance in preventing knee problems, with Glenn recommending specific exercises from a previous "Get Ready to Go Swim" series. The conversation ended with Barbara suggesting future topics, including open water skills and relay starts, with Berrin confirming an upcoming session on sculling.

April 22, 2025 - What Should I Learn at Swim Camp?

April 22, 2025 - What Should I Learn at Swim Camp?

Northwestern Swim Camps Peak Performance Swim Camps Jesse Moore Recruiting 100% Streamline https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3646-100-streamline Backstroke Underwater Travel Sequence https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3650-backstroke-underwater-travel-sequence Breaststroke Underwater Travel Sequence https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3655-breaststroke-underwater-travel-sequence Butterfly Underwater Travel Sequence https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3659-butterfly-underwater-travel-sequence Freestyle Underwater Travel Sequence https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3662-freestyle-underwater-travel-sequence Monday All-Strokes - Simple Streamline Sure, how much more basic can you get. But year after year, day one of swim camp has many swimmers showing poor consistency with their streamlines. Time spend really honing this is will be well worth the time. https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/1387-all-strokes-simple-streamline Tuesday Balance - Kara Lynn There are many ways to work on balance, and it’s one of the most important aspects of competitive swimming. All camps should be pointing out and instructing to their swimmers how vital bodyline is for our sport. https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/656-balance Wednesday David Curtiss Head Position While this focuses on freestyle, camps should take specific time working on the proper head position for all four strokes. We all have to remember, during training with many other swimmers… their eyes may be doing things like looking all around, which will adversely impact head position. The swimmers need to be aware of what they’re doing. https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3426-david-curtiss-head-position  Thursday EVF dog paddle Understanding how the arms are supposed to connect with the water is typically very counter-intuitive. Showing and practicing these movements slowly and specifically can open up the swimmers minds to a more correct way of propelling themselves through the water. https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3020-evf-dog-paddle Friday Starts - Pointed Toes Teaching how the WHOLE body is used in our sport can start with the start. While many athletes only focus on the streamline arms, it’s good to take some time to focus on the end… pointing the toes… which is pretty important with all aspects of swimming. https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2186-starts-pointed-toes Saturday Conveyor Belt Many problems that are developed in practice are simply because swimmers don’t know how to get out of each other’s way. Teaching the importance of lane etiquette in simple and fun ways can help develop a well organized practice that keeps eyes in the right positions. https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/2166-conveyor-belt Sunday Using the GoSwim App to Teach What age do you start teaching stroke rate, distance per cycle, breakout point, etc… Why not start YOUNG! Like learning a new language, if the youngest swimmers understand basic swim DATA, in a few years, they’ll be as knowledgeable about what they’re doing as anyone else. We make it clear at camp why understanding our sport is important.  https://www.goswim.tv/lessons/3577-using-the-goswim-app-to-teach Swimming Techniques and Data Collection Glenn starts the meeting by welcoming participants and addressing technical issues. He introduces Nick Baker as a guest speaker and mentions that they will be discussing swimming techniques, particularly focusing on backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, and freestyle underwater travel sequences. Glenn also shares that they recently collected data on 3,000 races of 10 to 14-year-olds at the Indiana Age Group championships. The meeting is about to begin formally, with Glenn preparing to mute everyone and start the recording. Peak Performance Camps: Holistic Swimming Approach Glenn introduces Nick, the founder of Peak Performance camps, which have been running for nearly 30 years and have impacted over 20,000 swimmers from 45 countries. Nick explains that he started the camp business due to his passion for teaching and motivating swimmers, focusing on a holistic approach that addresses mental, technical, and physical aspects of swimming. Both Glenn and Nick emphasize the importance of supporting home coaches and giving attention to all swimmers, particularly those who may not typically receive it, as they are the mainstay of the swimming business. Streamlining Underwater Work for Faster Swimming Rick discusses the importance of streamlining and underwater work in swimming. He emphasizes that the purpose of underwater travel is to go faster than surface swimming, not just to avoid swimming. Rick notes that many swimmers, even globally, don't understand this concept and simply try to minimize swimming. Glenn supports this with data, showing that elite swimmers like Caleb Dressel achieve higher velocities underwater than on the surface. Both agree that coaches need to emphasize the importance of underwater work more, with Rick suggesting that swimmers often don't believe or internalize this message. They stress the need for repetition and correction in teaching these skills. Underwater Swimming Techniques for Young Swimmers Rick discusses underwater swimming techniques and dryland training for young swimmers. He emphasizes the importance of pushing out rather than down off the wall and recommends a 100% streamline hold followed by a choice of dolphin kick timing. Rick advocates for a continuous motion between the pull-down and kick-up phases, with no pause. He also stresses the importance of a proper dolphin kick technique and a 5-degree breakout angle to maintain race pace. Rick shares specific drills to improve body whip and core engagement during underwater swimming, aiming for two body whips per second. Peak Swimming Camps Overview Rick discusses the various swimming camps offered by Peak, explaining that they conduct 35 camps annually across the United States and internationally. He mentions different types of camps, including racing camps, stroke and turn camps, IM camps, and training camps. Rick also notes that they have a unique racing strategy concept to teach swimmers how to control their efforts. Glenn suggests the possibility of adult camps, which Rick expresses interest in, provided there is sufficient demand. Breaststroke Pullout and Arm Positioning The group discusses proper technique for breaststroke pullouts and arm positioning during swimming. Rick explains his "X arms" technique, where swimmers keep elbows tucked and make an X shape under the chest. Glenn notes that swimmers often pull their arms too wide instinctively, which can slow them down. The coaches emphasize the importance of teaching proper streamline technique, especially to young swimmers. They also mention a partnership with Go Swim for training videos, which has been well-received by parents and swimmers. Swimming Technique at Swim Camps The discussion focuses on key elements of swimming technique taught at swim camps. Glenn and Aleks emphasize the importance of streamlining, body balance, and head position. They explain that every camp starts with streamline drills to get swimmers thinking about their technique. The importance of body awareness and balance in the water is highlighted, with examples from Olympic swimmer Carolyn Joyce. They also discuss proper head position for efficient swimming, noting that young swimmers often keep their heads too high. The conversation covers the importance of using larger muscle groups like the lats for propulsion, and the need for clean entries when diving. Glenn shares an old video of his own diving technique from the 1980s to illustrate how swimming techniques have evolved over time. Lane Etiquette in Swim Camps Glenn discusses the importance of lane etiquette in swim camps, emphasizing the need for swimmers to understand how to lead a lane and follow tasks without constant instruction. He demonstrates a technique for teaching young swimmers proper lane movement by positioning himself in the pool as a "buoy" for them to swim around. Glenn and Aleks highlight the value of educating both swimmers and parents about the sport, while Barbara praises Glenn's ability to focus on fundamental skills. The discussion concludes with Glenn addressing a question about underwater swimming for masters swimmers and promoting upcoming swim camps.