A series of five realistic underwater swimming images showcasing different beginner swim drills swimmer performing a standing kick drill learn to swim Binghamton University

Essential Swim Drills for Beginners: Breath Control, Floating & Streamlining

The Learn to Swim workout focuses on foundational swimming techniques designed to build water confidence, breath control, and efficient movement in the pool. The session begins with a structured warm-up featuring drills like Stand & Kick, Burpee Bubbles, and Back Floating with a noodle, ensuring students develop body positioning awareness. The pre-set introduces intensity with interval-based Sit & Kick and Wall Kick exercises, training participants to manage effort and recovery systematically. This structured approach ensures swimmers build endurance while reinforcing proper kicking technique and breath control.

Moving into the drill set, swimmers practice essential skills like the Standing Streamline, Mushroom Top Flip, and Floating Streamline to enhance hydrodynamics and relaxation in the water. Sculling and floating drills train the hands and body to interact effectively with water resistance, promoting balance and efficiency. By the end of the workout, students gain a deeper understanding of buoyancy, propulsion, and controlled breathing—fundamental skills needed to advance to more complex swimming techniques confidently.

An instructional swimming image demonstrating the 'Fingertip Drag' drill for freestyle stroke. The image features a swimmer performing the drill in a

Improve Your Freestyle Technique with the Fingertip Drag Drill

The Fingertip Drag Drill is a fundamental swimming exercise that refines freestyle stroke technique by emphasizing high elbow recovery, body rotation, and a relaxed hand position. By dragging the fingertips lightly across the water’s surface during the recovery phase, swimmers learn to maintain proper arm mechanics while keeping a streamlined and efficient stroke. This simple yet effective drill encourages balance, coordination, and fluid motion, making it a staple in freestyle training.

Regular practice of the Fingertip Drag Drill helps swimmers develop smoother arm recovery and better stroke efficiency. By focusing on fingertip contact with the water, athletes reinforce controlled movement and eliminate unnecessary muscle tension, leading to a more effortless and powerful freestyle stroke. Whether for beginners or advanced swimmers, this drill is essential for refining stroke technique and achieving optimal swim performance.