{"id":397,"date":"2019-05-31T17:04:33","date_gmt":"2019-05-31T21:04:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/?p=397"},"modified":"2023-10-16T12:10:20","modified_gmt":"2023-10-16T16:10:20","slug":"mastering-freestyle-timing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/mastering-freestyle-timing\/","title":{"rendered":"Mastering Your Timing in Freestyle"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-flat ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/mastering-freestyle-timing\/#Mastering_Your_Timing_in_Freestyle\" >Mastering Your Timing in Freestyle<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/mastering-freestyle-timing\/#Learn_breathing_kicking_and_arm_stroke_techniques\" >Learn breathing, kicking, and arm stroke techniques<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/mastering-freestyle-timing\/#Breathing\" >Breathing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/mastering-freestyle-timing\/#Kicking\" >Kicking<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/mastering-freestyle-timing\/#Arm_Stroke\" >Arm Stroke<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/mastering-freestyle-timing\/#SwimMirror_Your_1_Swim_Tracking_Tool\" >SwimMirror: Your #1 Swim Tracking Tool<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mastering_Your_Timing_in_Freestyle\"><\/span><strong><span style=\"color: #48c9b0;\">Mastering Your Timing in Freestyle <\/span><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Learn_breathing_kicking_and_arm_stroke_techniques\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #003366;\"><strong>Learn breathing, kicking, and arm stroke techniques<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Have you ever struggled to master your timing in freestyle? Understanding your timing and movements in unison will help you create a powerful swim stroke and make you a stronger swimmer. Often times, swimmers try to swim faster with little focus on skills such as breathing, kicking, and arm strokes. According to <span style=\"color: #003366;\"><a style=\"color: #003366;\" href=\"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/swimmirror-interview-rowdy-gaines\/\">our interview with swim Olympian Rowdy Gaines<\/a>,<\/span> most of these areas can be brought back to the basics of <span style=\"color: #003366;\"><a style=\"color: #003366;\" href=\"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/fix-freestyle-technique-swimmirror\/\">posture, line, and balance<\/a>.<\/span> If you\u2019re looking for more guidance on how to improve your swimming technique, continue reading to discover the best practices for timing your freestyle movements.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Breathing\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #003366;\">Breathing<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Sometimes, swimmers become unaware of their breathing technique because it seems so natural. Although it may be the last thing on your mind when you swim, poor breathing technique can actually throw off your kicking and stroke movements too! So, it\u2019s definitely important to be aware and time your breaths carefully.<\/p>\n<p>First, watch when your hand enters the water at the start of a turn. When it\u2019s on the opposite side, turn your head to breathe. Or, you can remember it as the \u201cone goggle in and one goggle out\u201d method\u2014make sure to inhale at the peak of your head rotation, this way, you\u2019ll decrease the chances of fatigue early on allowing you to maintain your stamina throughout the length of your swim.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Kicking\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #003366;\">Kicking<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Breathing technique can also affect your kicking patterns. So, once you\u2019ve got your breathing pattern down, it\u2019s time to fine-tune your kicks. Powerful kicks reinforced with properly timed breaths lead to a more energy-efficient swim.<\/p>\n<p>One important rule is that a downward kick should match the time it takes for the opposite arm to extend into the water. Think of it as if you were jogging or walking\u2014one leg swings forward as the opposite arm swings forward to help balance yourself. This will help with full body rotation and driving momentum forward.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for somewhere to start, a common pattern for beginner swimmers is known as the six-beat kick or the \u201cswimming waltz\u201d: one-two-three, one-two-three, one-two-three. The goal is for you to have six kicks per stroke cycle. For advanced swimmers, you can check out the four-beat kick and the two-beat kick for faster timing.<\/p>\n<p>Another quick tip is to keep your kicks below the surface and your ankles flexible\u2014never point your toes, this will help keep your movements controlled and in sync.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Arm_Stroke\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #003366;\">Arm Stroke<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>While your legs are a vital part of your swimming routine let\u2019s not forget about your arms! It\u2019s important to remember that no body part is mutually exclusive and when utilized together, makes you a more powerful swimmer. As we discussed earlier, using your arms as a guide will help aid the timing and rotation with the rest of your body. When your hand reaches forward to enter the water, try to take your time and analyze how you roll out onto your side.<\/p>\n<p>Aligning your arms with your core and your legs should help you get into a position that feels relaxed and stable for the entirety of your swim. If you want to learn more about making sure your strokes are streamlined with the rest of the body, check out our post about <span style=\"color: #003366;\"><a style=\"color: #003366;\" href=\"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/fix-freestyle-technique-swimmirror\/\">posture, line, and balance techniques.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Remember, practice makes perfect. Don\u2019t lose confidence if your strokes and timing are still off. For more tips, we recommend reading our blog post about <span style=\"color: #003366;\"><a style=\"color: #003366;\" href=\"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/the-5-habits-of-highly-efficient-swimmers\/\">habits for highly efficient swimmers<\/a>!<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"SwimMirror_Your_1_Swim_Tracking_Tool\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #003366;\"><strong>SwimMirror: Your #1 Swim Tracking Tool<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Ready to freestyle? Include SwimMirror as your essential swimming tool to improve freestyle strokes and techniques effectively!<\/p>\n<p><iframe style=\"width: 100% !important; height: 400px !important;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/TigN1QlVzGE\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><br \/>\nCurious how the SwimMirror can make swim training worthwhile? <span style=\"color: #003366;\"><a style=\"color: #003366;\" href=\"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/how-underwater-pool-mirror-takes-swimming-next-level\/\"><strong>Read our blog post<\/strong> <strong>here<\/strong>!<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #003366;\"><strong>Ready to Purchase SwimMirror Today?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[maxbutton id=&#8221;2&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Or get SwimMirror at your favorite retailer below.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/ADM-SwimMirrors\/dp\/B01M3O9HLD\/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=swimmirror&amp;qid=1559337827&amp;s=gateway&amp;sr=8-2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/amazon_logo.png\" alt=\"Image result for amazon logo vector\" width=\"59\" height=\"54\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Mastering Your Timing in Freestyle Learn breathing, kicking, and arm stroke techniques Have you ever struggled to master your timing in freestyle? Understanding your timing and movements in unison will help you create a powerful swim stroke and make you a stronger swimmer. Often times, swimmers try to swim faster with little focus on skills<a class=\"button\" href=\"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/mastering-freestyle-timing\/\" title=\"More\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":413,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[15,66],"class_list":["post-397","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-swim-training","tag-freestyle","tag-timing"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/397","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=397"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/397\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":447,"href":"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/397\/revisions\/447"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/413"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=397"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=397"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swimmirror.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=397"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}