While there is no "correct" way to train in swimming, I have seen a lot of wrong ways people train throughout my time as a swimmer. The biggest and baddest culprit contributing to bad training and no improvement in beginners is how swimming gear is used.

Most people often only use gear as a crutch. For example: "If my legs keep sinking, I'll use a pull buoy. If I'm not fast enough, I'll just put on fins. If my stroke is terrible, I'll just put paddles on." In principle, with a fake-it-until-you-make-it attitude, this might be considered a reasonable practice. But like a drug, you are (most of the time) temporarily getting relief without ever fixing the symptom.

In this blog post, I'll be going through some common technique problems and how to use swimming gear to fix them effectively, without just using gear as a pain reliever.

Sinking legs/hips

Body position plays an often detrimental role in whether you will glide through the water or serve as a 10m marker at the bottom of the pool. Have you ever seen someone swim who has never really swum much? The constant struggle to keep their head out of the water, barely moving, burning 1000+ calories per minute. This is a perfect example of terrible body position. They are trying so hard to keep their head out of the water that they are almost in a vertical body position. You're probably not this level of "bad", but it's the same fix.

Most of the time, fixing a sinking body means fixing the head and body position.

To fix your head position, place a single paddle on top of your head while you're swimming. If it falls off to the side (even while breathing), this will confirm that it's something you'll need to fix. This test will give you instant feedback on your head position. Through constant repetition of this drill, trial and error will tutor your head into the perfect position.

Another thing to consider is your breathing. Using this paddle test even while breathing will show you when your head falls out of position. If it lifts when you breathe, your legs will sink, and your paddle falling away will reflect this. We highly recommend our paddles, as they have a very even surface area and allow you to practice this drill very effectively.

Get yours here: https://blacklineswim.com/products/black-line-performance-paddles

Too slow

Using fins to temporarily make you faster isn't an option, but you can use them to make you faster with the proper drills and exercises.

Use fins and paddles to simulate a stronger stroke. Short sprints in sets like 8x25 or 8x50, with 25m sprint/25m easy, will allow you to practice speed at a high intensity. Take the fins and paddles off after this set and now practice without them. Notice the difference and where you are lacking strength in your stroke.

You can use a pull buoy and paddles to increase your strength in aerobic sets. It's also a good idea to alternate between using the paddles and pull buoy and swimming without gear. This gives breaks and allows your stroke to adapt.

Use fins and a kickboard to practice kicking with good ankle flexion. Do some short sprints to practice kicking speed.

Stroke and catch

Your catch is one of the most important aspects of swimming. It is what will determine whether swimming will be easy for you or always a struggle. A good swimmer will put their arm into a catch position (holding the water, ready to pull) before performing the rest of the pull. This allows for a very efficient pulling stroke.

A catch is performed after your hand enters the water and glides. Your elbow slightly bends and your hand is lowered, ready to pull the water.

You can practice this outside of the pool first. Use a band to practice the movement. Wrap it around a pole and tie the other end to your hand; this will simulate the underwater phase of your stroke. At first, just practice the catch (a very subtle movement; you can search on YouTube and it will show you what the perfect catch looks like). Then practice the whole movement: a fluid catch and pull.

Inside the pool, wear paddles for this. They amplify your feel for the water and allow you to feel your catch. Wear a snorkel and pull buoy to put the focus solely on your stroke.

Drill: Single-arm freestyle allows you to swim with just one arm while the other arm is by your side or in front. This is a normal stroke performed in isolation. Concentrate on your catch and focus on pulling all the way back.

Finito

I hope this guide helped you understand that swimming gear can be a massive booster in your swimming training when used properly. Each piece of gear plays its own role in helping you achieve your swimming goals, but not as a concealer to hide all your flaws. So don't use it as makeup.

Here at BlackLine Swim, our goal is to create the ultimate kit bag, with a cultured and curated lineup of the best pieces of gear in the world of swimming. So if you want to start wearing BlackLine, we've already got the best paddles and snorkel money can buy, so don't hesitate.

Best wishes on your swimming journey. Keep chasing the Black Line.

Kilian Carrel