How to Increase Speed in Swimming

By: Alyssa Ast

Break Studios Contributing Writer

You can learn how to increase speed in swimming by taking time to practice and refine the methods needed for speed. It’s common for swimmers to misuse these methods, which will then slow down swimming speed. The ability to learn how to increase speed in swimming involves practicing the proper wall methods, as well as power and technique. In order to increase speed, drag must be reduced to a minimal.

  1. Proper technique. A swimmer must develop a proper technique that reduces the amount of drag they cause in the water while swimming. The main method used to develop this technique is simply practicing. By practicing the proper technique, the force a swimmer has while swimming will increase. Practicing technique allows a swimmer to develop the skills necessary to propel through the water with minimal drag.
  2. Power. Power is important for increasing swimming speed. Power simply refers to the strength a swimmer has. The muscles needed for increased strength take time to develop. This also mean practice is vital, as well as proper exercise and diet. After strength has been developed, this power can be used in the water for increased force while swimming.
  3. Use of the walls. When swimming in a pool, swimmers are going to run into a wall. Using the walls to a swimmers advantage while swimming will increase the ability to swim faster. It’s vital to practice, and develop a good technique that allows a swimmer to quickly turn around and use the wall to propel forward. A good push-off allows a swimmer to regain lost speed from turning.

When you learn how to increase speed in swimming, it’s important to use these methods correctly. If they are used in the wrong way, they will actually decrease a swimmers speed. Drag is also a large contributor to decreased swim speed. Drag refers to a swimmers ability to easily glide through the water. Drag is caused by body fat, improper body alignment, and incorrect swimsuits. Correcting these things will reduce drag in the water.

Posted on: Apr. 17, 2010