Quick Dip: Why Do We Train Strokes That Aren’t My Best?

A short read for the car journey

Category: Training  | Read time: Under 2 minutes

Your best stroke may feel faster, easier or more enjoyable. So why spend time training the others?

Age-group swimmers are still developing. Coaches train all four strokes so that you build a wider range of swimming skills rather than relying on just one stroke.

Each stroke uses different timing, breathing, body positions, turns and finishes. Working on all four prepares you for individual medley events, where every stroke is used.

Some skills carry across strokes too. The controlled dolphin kick you practise in butterfly can also help your underwater kicking after front crawl and backstroke starts and turns. Your coach will help you adapt the skill to each stroke.

A stroke that feels difficult can show where you have the most room to improve. Your coach may spend extra time on that stroke because improving one part could make the whole stroke work better.

Every swimmer finds some strokes easier than others. Try to focus on one part at a time, such as the kick, breathing or timing.

There will still be times when you work on your best stroke. Training all four gives you more skills and more racing options as you develop.

Did you know? Which skill from my less confident stroke could also help my other swimming?

Created by Basingstoke Bluefins Coaching Team