Swim drills

Doggy Paddle drill

The doggy paddle drill is a useful drill for all levels of swimmers and will help you improve your catch and pull-through.
The catch is a key element of the stroke, it is where you start to feel the resistance of the water on your hand, the earlier this is felt in the stroke the more efficient the overall stroke. This drill allows you to focus on ensuring the hand position is correct at the start of the pull through underwater and to feel that resistance from the start.

​​Key points to note are :-

• If you are still developing your FC kick then carry this drill out with a pull buoy, it will keep you legs at the right level in the pool and allow you to focus on the catch and pull through phase of the stroke.
• Ensure you look forward at all times, with you chin on the surface of the water allowing you to breath without moving your head.
• Recovery of the arm after the pull through is below the surface of the water.
• Concentrate on on feeling the catch in the water, throughout the length of the stroke.
• the underwater phase of the stroke is where you propel yourself forward and its key that you keep the elbow high, remember elbow above the wrist and wrist above the finger tips at all times.
• Make sure you feel the catch in the water from the start of the stroke, right through the finish by the hips.

Other points to note in the video :-

• Concentrate on keeping the head still, by keeping the chin on the surface of the water.
• You might find when you are using the pull buoy that adding a band will help further.
• Alternating each length between doggy paddle and swim or dribble will help you get the feel of the catch within your stroke.