Technique
My Shoulder Hurts When I Swim Freestyle
I recently asked the My Triathlon Swim community to share their biggest challenge, when it comes to swimming freestyle. I received some great responses. (A
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Learn a relaxed swim technique while also boosting your endurance.
Many triathletes dread the swim. Some fear it. While others just find it draining. It doesn’t have to be this way. Practicing a handful of adjustments to your stroke can turn the swim from a chore to a relaxing — dare we say fun — activity.
Our FREE guide teaches you these skills, plus gives you workouts to practice each one. After all, if you’re going to swim laps to help your endurance, doesn’t it make sense to also work on techniques that will make it easier?
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Sample Workouts
Today, we’re working on the “squeeze” part of your underwater pull. Be sure to stretch and warm up your triceps. Remember to reach with your lead arm as you squeeze the water with your back arm. See how much distance you can get with each stroke. I often think about skating, with the back foot creating the propelling force while the front foot stays planted…gliding. Have fun!
Drills: Catch-Up /// Single Arm Drill
We’re practicing breathing in this workout. I encourage you to practice timing and relaxing. During the warm up, hang on to the side and bob. Practice yoga breathing in through mouth and out through nose. Relax. The Stroke Set and Main Set both have drills to practice upfront swimming. Breathing early in the pull while the opposite arm is extended opens up a long window to take a breath. Commit to relaxed swimming during this workout.
Drills: Catch-Up
In this workout, we’re practicing Upfront Swimming, a.k.a Front Quadrant Swimming. (See the description in the sidebar below.) Upfront Swimming is key to a smooth, relaxed stroke. The Main Set uses a pull buoy and snorkel, so that you can isolate your timing without thinking about kicking or turning your head to breathe. If you don’t have this equipment, don’t worry. Just swim. Stretch out your stroke. Relax.