Training and Technique

Take your swimming to the next level with tips to perfect your stroke, prevent injury, and become stronger in the water. Learn key drills, skills, and sessions for open water and pool training. Tailor plans for events and challenges. Develop awareness through self-analysis. Experts share knowledge on everything from bodysurfing to bilateral breathing so you can become a proficient outdoor swimmer.

Why and how to develop your swimming pacing skills

Your pacing may have more impact on your overall swim time than your fitness. Learn how to control it for…
What are the best pool drills for improving open water skills?

You can still work on your open water skills when you're training in an indoor pool. Swimming coach Cassie Patten…
Masters swimming: get ready for the pool

Add a new dimension to your swimming with Masters racing, says Simon Griffiths
Expand your range of swimming gears

Swimming slowly could help you swim faster
The art and science of tapering

Swim coach Paul Newsome explains the science of tapering – and how to arrive in peak condition for your next swim challenge
Six ways to get more horizontal while swimming

Improving your body position will help you swim faster for less effort
How to train in the pool for open water success

American Olympic hopeful Ivan Puskovitch speaks about the training regime that earned him his place in the Paris Olympics
How can I train to swim long distance front crawl?

British freestyle swimmer and open water coach Cassie Pattern has advice for a 79-year-old swimmer training to swim the Henley…
Take your front crawl outside

Adapt your swimming to open water: sighting and navigation. Simon Griffiths has your guide.
MySwimEdge – Using technology to swim faster

We caught up with Igor Shlyonsky, founder of MySwimEdge to learn how his technology helps swimmers analyse their technique
Going long distance

Paul Newsome, Head Coach at Swim Smooth, shares his smarter approach to training for long-distance swims.
Winter freestyle refresher, part 5: putting it all together

Reflecting on the various components covered in his front crawl refresher series – body position and balance, breathing arms and…
Freestyle Refresher, part 4: Unleashing the power of your legs

Simon Griffiths has the fourth part of our guide to reviewing and refreshing your front crawl stroke this winter –…
Move of the month: Kettlebell halo

This move improves shoulder strength, mobility and stability and is also great for boosting core strength as well as grip…
9 ways to become a faster swimmer this year

Becoming a better swimmer happens through deliberate and long-term focus rather than any radical overnight change.
Do you need rest days from swimming training?

We answer a reader’s question about rest and recovery in a swimming training programme
Winter Freestyle Refresher: Part 3: Using your arms in front crawl

Simon Griffiths has the third part of our guide to reviewing and refreshing your front crawl stoke this winter
How do I perfect my swimming catch?

There's more to swimming fast than having a perfect catch but it's worth working on
How I train: Hector Pardoe

Olympian swimmer Hector Pardoe gives us an insight into his training regime, including sprint technique and prepping for wetsuit racing.
Move of the month: Alternating superman

This is a great core strengthening exercise that involves minimal movement but improves strength in both the lower back and…
Winter freestyle refresher: body position, action and reaction

Here we look at your body position in the water, and how your body responds to various actions.
7 ways to sprint faster in swimming

We look at how long distance swimmers can become better sprinters, and if there are consequences for trying
What is the bilateral breathing ladder, and is bilateral breathing really necessary?

We share some top tips for improving your bilateral breathing – and even if you can't get it right, it's…
How do I motivate myself to train through winter?

Swimming coach Cassie Patten believes the winter months are prime time for focusing on technique and maintaining fitness levels.
How can I pace myself when swimming long distances?

Giving a talk before Swim Serpentine, swim coach Cassie Patten advised swimmers to start out steady and build into their…