Ready to swim faster? Let’s dive straight into streamlining, one of the most important skills to help you glide smoothly through the water.
In this post, we’ll show you how to perfect your streamline, making every stroke count. With a few simple tips, you’ll be cutting through the water like a pro in no time.
Let’s get started on your journey to faster, more efficient swimming!
The Science of Streamlining
Hydrodynamics
The idea of streamlining is reducing drag underwater. When you swim, the body encounters resistance from the water. This resistance is known as drag, and slows you down if not managed properly. The goal of the streamline is to position your body in a way that minimizes this resistance.
The Role of Body Position
The way you hold your body in the water will determine the amount of drag. Generally, a straight horizontal position will reduce resistance. When you align yourself correctly, you create a smooth flow of water around you with less turbulence.
Small Adjustments for Better Streamlining
Now let’s move to the possible adjustments you can make to improve your streamline.
Optimal Body Position
Hold your head in a relaxed state, looking down towards the bottom of the pool. Do not lift your head and look forward, this will set a chain of reactions causing your hips and legs to sink – increasing drag.
Picture a straight horizontal line, this is how you should aim to position in the water. Straight from head to toe. Engaging your core and timing your kick properly will help keep your hips up.
Perfect Your Streamline Off the Wall
After each turn we must pay close attention to our body position. Since water is denser than air, we have more resistance underwater than on the surface. Your streamline after turns can be a deciding factor in a race.
To reduce drag, push off with your arms extended overhead and hands on top of one another – an arrow shape. Hold the body as straight and narrow as you can with your legs together and toes pointed.
While in that position, add fast tight kicks with medium amplitude. This will propel you forward.
Implementing Adjustments in Your Training
Use Video Analysis
Record your swimming, then analyze your position underwater. I would recommend getting someone experienced like a swim coach to help you analyze and make changes.
Incorporate Specific Drills
There are many body position and streamline drills out there, each to help improve a certain aspect of your swimming. I can’t go over all of them in this blog, so I advise you to ask your coach – they will determine which drills are right for you.
Regularly Reassess and Adjust
Regularly pay attention and assess how your technique is progressing, make adjustments as needed. I can tell from experience that you will feel further and smoother glides underwater if your streamline is proper.
Conclusion
The science of streamlines is about making the most out of every post turn underwater. Focus on small adjustments, and you can achieve further and faster underwaters. It is important to remember that refining your technique takes time and effort, so don’t give up – and watch your times improve.
You’ve learned powerful streamlining techniques to swim faster—now it’s time to put them into practice with us at Rocket Swim Club in Toronto!
Whether you’re gearing up for competition or just aiming to improve your swim, our expert coaches are ready to help you soar through the water.
With our new season starting this month, there’s no better time to dive in. Join our adult, competitive, or non-competitive swimming lessons and experience the thrill of swimming like a pro. Let’s make every stroke count together!
Ready to swim faster? Sign up for our lessons today and start making waves!