How to Swim Butterfly with Speed and Power

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How to Swim Butterfly with Speed and Power

The secret isn't natural talent—it's breaking down this challenging stroke into manageable components. Butterfly swimming combines powerful undulation, properly timed dolphin kicks, and synchronized arm movements to create swimming's most beautiful stroke. While many swimmers struggle with exhaustion or poor technique, my step-by-step approach builds both the skills and confidence needed to swim butterfly effectively. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your technique, these proven methods will transform your butterfly from a struggle into a stroke you truly enjoy.

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Bodyweight Training for Swimmers: Dryland That Works

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Bodyweight Training for Swimmers: Dryland That Works

Swimmers don’t get faster by chasing fatigue on land. They get faster by learning how to organize force. This guide breaks down the theory behind bodyweight training for swimmers, explaining how dryland improves coordination, shoulder stability, and lower-body power — and why bodyweight work often transfers better than traditional strength training.

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Master Your Race Pace: How to Find (and Train) Your Ideal Swimming Speed

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Master Your Race Pace: How to Find (and Train) Your Ideal Swimming Speed

Knowing your race pace—and how to train it—is what separates strong finishers from swimmers who fade halfway through a race. In this guide, Coach Dan Daly, CSCS, breaks down how to calculate your ideal pace, train it effectively, and adapt it for open water. Learn how stroke tempo, endurance sets, and data-driven tools can help you swim faster and more efficiently.

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What Muscles Does Swimming Work?

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What Muscles Does Swimming Work?

Swimming isn’t just cardio—it’s one of the most effective full-body workouts you can do. Every stroke activates major muscle groups across your shoulders, core, and legs, building strength, power, and endurance without the joint strain of land-based training.

In this full-body breakdown, Coach Dan Daly explains exactly what muscles swimming works—stroke by stroke—and how to train them both in and out of the pool. From lats and deltoids to glutes and core stabilizers, you’ll learn how to strengthen the key movers that drive faster, more efficient swimming.

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What Is a Flutter Kick? Technique, Muscles Worked, and Benefits

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What Is a Flutter Kick? Technique, Muscles Worked, and Benefits

The flutter kick looks simple, but mastering it can transform your swimming. Done correctly, it lifts your hips, reduces drag, and adds real propulsion to your stroke. Out of the pool, the same motion builds stronger abs and hip stability. In this guide, I’ll walk you through proper flutter kick form, muscles worked, and key drills to make your kick more efficient – whether you’re chasing faster race times or a stronger core.

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Manhattan Island Marathon Swim: My 7 Hour 35 Minute Journey

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Manhattan Island Marathon Swim: My 7 Hour 35 Minute Journey

On September 10, 2025, I completed my solo Manhattan Island Marathon Swim, covering the 28.5-mile current assisted marathon swim distance in 7 hours and 35 minutes. After years of coaching and crewing this event, I finally took on the challenge myself. From the fast chop of the East River to the long Harlem and the powerful Hudson, the day was a test of rhythm, patience, and resilience — the true essence of marathon swimming.

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How to Do Medicine Ball Slams: 5 Explosive Exercises for Swimmers

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How to Do Medicine Ball Slams: 5 Explosive Exercises for Swimmers

Medicine ball slams are one of the simplest and most effective ways to build explosive power, core stability, and coordination — all essential for faster swimming. Whether you’re training for Freestyle, Butterfly, or IM, these full-body movements strengthen your lats, shoulders, and hips to improve the connection between land and water performance. In this article, I’ll break down the key benefits, variations, and proper form for medicine ball slams, plus show you how to integrate them into your dryland routine for stronger, more efficient strokes.

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Feel the Surge: What Propulsion in Swimming Really Means

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Feel the Surge: What Propulsion in Swimming Really Means

Want to swim faster without just working harder? It all comes down to mastering propulsion. In this guide, Coach Dan Daly breaks down the science behind swimming propulsion, the difference between drag and lift forces, and how to improve your stroke for maximum speed. With targeted drills, smart use of training tools, and integrated dryland exercises, you’ll learn how to generate more forward motion with every stroke. Whether you're in the pool or open water, it’s time to feel the surge - and move smarter.

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Join Me in the Open Water: Open Water Swimming Events 2025

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Join Me in the Open Water: Open Water Swimming Events 2025

Swim with Coach Dan Daly for a season of unforgettable races across NYC and the Northeast — including the UrbanSwim: PRIDE and Liberty to Freedom swims, Lake George, and a solo 28.5-mile Manhattan Island Marathon. Whether you’re new to open water or looking to level up, these events offer the perfect mix of challenge, community, and coaching support. Explore the full race calendar, get inspired by past performances, and find out how to train smart and swim strong this season.

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