Skipping Exercise for Warm-Up: Power Up Your Swim Session

Skipping Exercise for Warm-Up: Power Up Your Swim Session

Skipping might look simple, but it’s one of the most effective warm-up exercises a swimmer can use before getting in the water. Over the years, I’ve watched swimmers move better, feel stronger, and find their rhythm faster just by adding 20–30 seconds of skipping into their pre-pool routine. It activates your hips, builds coordination, and wakes up the elastic qualities you need for powerful kicking, starts, and turns. Whether you’re a beginner learning how to do the skipping exercise or an experienced swimmer looking for more speed, this warm-up helps you feel ready from your very first stroke.

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How to Practice Swimming Without a Pool

How to Practice Swimming Without a Pool

You don’t need a pool to keep improving. With the right at-home approach, you can practice swimming by sharpening your breathing, kick control, posture, and strength on land. These dryland swimming practice drills help you stay ready, stay connected to your stroke, and return to the water faster and more confident.

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Best Swim Paddles for Training and Technique

Swim paddles are more than just a training accessory — they can be a powerful tool for building strength, improving technique, and developing a better feel for the water. The key is knowing how to choose the right paddle and when to use it. In this guide, I break down the best swim paddles for training and technique, share tips for safe use, and show you how to integrate paddle work into your swim program without risking shoulder injury.

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Taper in Swimming: How to Peak at the Right Time

Taper in Swimming: How to Peak at the Right Time

Tapering is the phase when smart swimmers do less to gain more. It’s a strategic reduction in training volume, while keeping intensity high, that lets your body recover, sharpen, and peak right when it matters most. In this article, Coach Dan Daly breaks down how to plan your taper, what to focus on in the pool and gym, and how to fine-tune race-day details so your best performance shows up when it counts.

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Post-Activation Potentiation in Swimming: How to Instantly Boost Your Swimming Speed

Post-Activation Potentiation in Swimming: How to Instantly Boost Your Swimming Speed

Post-Activation Potentiation (PAP) is a science-backed training method proven to help swimmers move faster—instantly. By pairing short, high-intensity efforts with explosive movements, PAP training activates your nervous system for greater power and speed in the water. Learn how to apply this method with practical examples and exercises to boost your swimming performance.

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

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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Dryland Swim Cords: The Best Stretch Cord Workouts for Swimmers

Dryland Swim Cords: The Best Stretch Cord Workouts for Swimmers

Dryland swim cords are one of the most effective tools for building swimming strength and refining technique outside the pool. In this guide, I share my top cord drills for freestyle and butterfly, complete with videos to follow along. You’ll learn how to set up cords properly, avoid common mistakes, and use them to reinforce your stroke mechanics. Whether you’re a beginner or a competitive swimmer, these workouts will make your time in the water more efficient.

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Battle Ropes Workout: 4 Dynamic Drills to Build Strength & Burn Fat

Battle Ropes Workout: 4 Dynamic Drills to Build Strength & Burn Fat

Battle ropes aren’t just for CrossFit gyms - they’re one of the most effective tools for building full-body conditioning and power. In this article, I’ll walk you through what battle ropes are, what muscles they work, and why they’re ideal for swimmers. You’ll learn four battle rope exercises I’ve used in dryland sessions to help swimmers develop power, coordination, and rhythm. Whether you're new to ropes or looking to level up your dryland training, these dynamic drills will help you increase your endurance and power on land or water..

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From Slow to Smooth: Improve Your Breaststroke Technique

From Slow to Smooth: Improve Your Breaststroke Technique

Breaststroke can feel awkward and slow - but with the right technique, it becomes one of the most efficient strokes in swimming. In this guide, you'll learn how to refine your breaststroke kick, streamline your body position, and master stroke timing for smoother, faster swims. With expert coaching tips, in-pool drills, dryland exercises, and a complete 14-day training plan, this article is your roadmap to transforming your stroke. Whether you're a beginner or a competitive swimmer, it’s time to go from slow to smooth - one kick at a time.

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