Why swim drills shouldn’t be a race!
The Importance of Taking Your Time with Swim Drills
Swimming is a unique sport that requires a combination of strength, technique, and endurance. As a triathlete, mastering the art of swimming is crucial to your overall performance on race day. One effective way to improve your swim skills is by incorporating swim drills into your training routine. However, it is equally important to understand that taking your time with these drills is essential for optimal progress. During my coaching sessions with my local Triathlon club I consistently see triathletes rushing through their drills and trying to get to the end of the pool as quickly as possible, an approach which will significantly impact the effectiveness of the drill set. For some this due to a desire to keep up with the swimmer in front, or to not slow down other lane-mates, and for others it might be the belief that doing drills quickly will enhance strength and performance. In this blog post, we will explore why it is important to take your time when performing swim drills and how it can benefit your overall performance.
1. Focus on Technique
One of the primary reasons for incorporating swim drills into your training is to improve your swimming technique. These drills enable you to break down complex swim movements into smaller, more manageable components. By practicing these movements slowly and deliberately, you can fine-tune your technique and reinforce good habits. When you rush through swim drills, you may fail to fully grasp the nuances of each movement. Instead, taking your time allows you to concentrate on body positioning, arm placement, and kick mechanics, among other crucial elements. By going through each drill methodically, you will gain a better understanding of correct technique and boost your overall efficiency in the water.
2. Enhance Muscle Memory
Swim drills are not only about muscle strength; they also play a significant role in muscle memory development. Taking your time to repeat these drills regularly allows your muscles to adapt and develop the necessary coordination and timing required for efficient swimming. Consistency is key, and by being patient with your drills, you will gradually imprint the correct technique into your muscle memory. Repeating drills at a slower pace aids in the reinforcement of neural pathways, ensuring that your body becomes accustomed to executing the movements accurately. Over time, this enhanced muscle memory will enable you to swim more effortlessly and with greater efficiency.
3. Reduce Risk of Injury
In any sport, rushing through drills and exercises can lead to increased risk of injury. Swimming is no exception. By taking your time with swim drills, you can minimize the chances of straining or injuring your muscles. Swim drills often involve new or slightly modified movements, and it is essential to approach them cautiously. Hastily trying to mimic these movements without proper practice can cause muscle strains or overuse injuries. By allowing yourself the time to familiarize yourself with each drill and gradually build up your strength and endurance, you significantly reduce the risk of injury.
4. Maintain Focus and Mental Engagement
Swim training requires strong mental focus and engagement. Rushing through your swim drills can result in mindless repetition, decreasing your overall concentration and engagement with the exercise. This can result in less effective skill development and decreased motivation. Taking your time to perform swim drills gives you the opportunity to tune in and stay present in the moment. By employing mindfulness and attentiveness, you can better connect with your body and observe how each movement feels and affects your overall performance. This heightened sense of awareness allows you to make real-time adjustments, which ultimately leads to better technique development.
Key Tips for Getting The Best out of Swim Drills
1) Really focus and concentrate on the key movements - This is the time in your swim set to be fully alert and focused on the feelings in your body.
2) Take your time - Don’t worry about keeping up with the person ahead, or staying ahead of the person behind. Take your own time and your own pace.
3) Be clear on why you are doing the drill, and what feelings/movements you should be looking to reproduce - Quite frankly, if you don’t know the why behind the drill, you’re pretty much wasting your time doing it. If your in a coached session and your not sure, ask the coach, they’ll be more than happy to talk you through it. If you‘re coached remotely then ask your coach in your next catch up. Be really clear on what you are trying to achieve and what movements you should be focused on.
Swim drills are a fundamental component of triathlon swim training, and their importance should not be overlooked. By taking your time and approaching these drills with patience and deliberation, you will greatly enhance your technique, muscle memory, and overall swim performance. Take your time, embrace the process, give your body the necessary time to adapt, and watch as you gradually become a stronger and more efficient swimmer.
Thank for taking the time to read this blog post. For more information on coaching and other services, check out www.firsttriathlon.co.uk. If you liked what you read and want more, please signup below to receive regular blog posts direct to your inbox.
