body position – sportsgeek

Body Position Kick

This is a series of 3 drills to improve your body position and balance so watch them in order from top to bottom.

Body positioning is where it all begins for swimming. Even if you are a seasoned competitive swimmer, body positioning should be practiced – it will help you swim more smoothly, with less effort and you WILL swim more quickly.Body positioning is where it all begins for swimming. Even if you are a seasoned competitive swimmer, body positioning should be practiced – it will help you swim more smoothly, with less effort and you WILL swim more quickly. Kick gently in this drill, don’t kick hard or for speed, kick just enough to give yourself some forward momentum. Keep a nice straight line and don’t tuck your chin to your chest or you will start to somersault. If you find it awkward to lift your head to breathe – it is OK to stop. Just stop, stand up, take a breath or 2 and then carry on. When you have mastered this drill with hands by sides, switch to performing this drill with arms extended. When performing this drill an observer should be able to see: the swimmer’s eyes to the bottom of the pool, a straight spine, a dry back and high hips.

Side Body Balance

In addition to balancing while on your front, you also need to be able to balance on your side. This drill will further enhance the balance you have acquired doing the body position kick and will imprint rotation in your stroke. If you find your hips and feet starting to sink, shrug your shoulder that is out of the water. This helps to shift weight forward and lift your hips

6-Kick Switch

This is the 3rd drill in this body positioning series, performed by GoSwim. You’ve mastered the first 2 drills, now you need to add in body rotation and arms, maintaining your body position as you rotate from side to side.