If you’re ready to level up your swimming game, front crawl is a must-master stroke. Whether you’re racing or just looking to swim smoothly across the pool, these tips will have you cutting through the water like a pro. Let’s dive in and improve your front crawl!
1. Perfect Your Body Position
Your body is your boat, so make it streamlined. Aim for a straight line from your fingertips to your toes, with just a slight dip in your hips. A long, sleek posture helps reduce drag and keeps you gliding effortlessly.
2. Nail Your Head Position
Keep your head in line with your spine—no craning or looking up! The sweet spot for your water level is right between your eyebrows and hairline. Look slightly down and forward for a natural position that reduces strain and keeps you balanced.
3. Leg Work: Kick Smart, Not Hard
You don’t need to flail your legs like you’re in a spin class. Instead, aim for small, steady kicks that create bubbles near the water’s surface. Kick from your hips—not your knees—and keep your ankles floppy. This generates just the right amount of propulsion without wasting energy.
4. Master the Arm Movement
Think “long arms and big sweeps”. Extend one arm out front to start your stroke, then pull it all the way back towards your hip. When your elbow pops out of the water, sweep your hand forward to reset. Alternate arms smoothly for that classic front crawl rhythm.
5. Refine Your Breathing Technique
Breathing can feel tricky, but practice makes perfect. Start in the shallow end and focus on blowing out fully underwater. When you roll your head to the side, your lungs will already be empty, letting you inhale easily without disrupting your rhythm. Calm, controlled breathing is the secret to swimming longer and faster.
Improve Your Front Crawl – Final Thoughts
Improving your front crawl isn’t about exhausting yourself; it’s about refining your technique. Focus on one aspect at a time, and you’ll notice a big difference. Remember, swimming is as much about patience as it is about power. Feel free to book a trial lesson or a block of four 30-minute lessons with me and happy swimming!
