Maximising Your Progress: How to Practise Swimming Techniques Outside of Lessons

Practising swimming techniques outside of lessons is a fantastic way to reinforce what you’ve learned, build confidence, and make steady progress. With just a few simple exercises and regular practice, you can stay connected to your swimming goals, improve your technique, and feel more prepared for each lesson. Here are some practical tips on how to make the most of your swimming practice between lessons.

1. Focus on Drills for Core Skills

Drills are targeted exercises that break down specific aspects of swimming technique, helping you build muscle memory and focus on key skills. For example, if you’re working on your freestyle stroke, practise “catch-up” drills by extending one arm forward and waiting until the other arm reaches it before taking the next stroke. For kicks, consider practising with a kickboard to focus solely on leg movement and rhythm. Drills help solidify good technique, making it easier to progress in your lessons.

2. Practise Breathing Techniques

Breathing can be one of the trickiest parts of swimming, especially for beginners. Outside of the pool, you can practise controlled breathing exercises, focusing on steady inhalations and exhalations. In the water, try basic breathing drills, like submerging your face and blowing bubbles, or breathing to the side while holding onto the pool edge. These simple practices improve lung capacity and help you get used to a relaxed, rhythmic breathing style, making it easier to incorporate into your strokes.

3. Build Stamina with Pool Time

If you have access to a pool outside of lesson times, make use of it to build stamina. Start with short swim sessions, focusing on steady, consistent movements rather than speed. Gradually build up the length of time you can swim continuously, whether it’s a few extra laps or a couple more minutes each week. This practice builds endurance, which is essential for improving your overall performance in lessons and making you feel stronger in the water.

4. Use Visualisation Techniques

Visualisation is a powerful tool that can help you master swimming techniques outside of the pool. Spend a few minutes each day imagining yourself swimming, paying close attention to each movement in your mind. Visualise the strokes, kicks, and breathing techniques exactly as your instructor demonstrated. This mental practice helps reinforce proper technique and builds confidence, as it gives your brain time to “practise” even when you’re not in the water.

5. Strength and Flexibility Training

Swimming requires strong core, shoulder, and leg muscles, so simple strength exercises like planks, leg lifts, and resistance band exercises can help support your swimming practice. Yoga or stretching routines improve flexibility, which is important for achieving a smooth, fluid swimming style. Strength and flexibility training will improve your body’s resilience and efficiency in the water, giving you a strong foundation to build on.

6. Set Mini Goals and Track Your Progress

Setting small, achievable goals outside of lessons can keep you motivated and focused. For instance, aim to swim a certain number of laps without stopping, or focus on perfecting one skill, like your kick or breathing rhythm. Tracking your progress, whether it’s through a swim log or just noting improvements, helps you see how far you’ve come and keeps you enthusiastic about your next lesson.

7. Review Lesson Notes

After each lesson, take a few minutes to jot down any pointers or tips from your instructor. Reviewing these notes before your next practice session can help you remember key details and avoid repeating mistakes. This reflection also gives you a chance to focus on areas that need a bit more work, ensuring each practice session is productive.

8. Stay Relaxed and Enjoy the Process

Finally, remember that progress takes time, and the most important thing is to enjoy your time in the water. Swimming is both a skill and a pleasure, so give yourself room to explore, experiment, and enjoy the process. Relaxation is key to a smooth swimming style, so try to practise with a positive mindset and celebrate each improvement, no matter how small.

Practising outside of lessons is all about reinforcing skills and building confidence. With these tips, you can make each practice session count, making strides in your swimming journey while having fun along the way. Every effort brings you closer to becoming a more confident, skilled swimmer!