Many triathletes and open water swimmers don’t know how to improve their speed in the water. Most believe they just need to swim fast to go fast…to practice and work harder, and do more sprints. 
But since swimming is more about technique than anything, the best way to improve speed in the water is to play “Free Golf” in the water. If you’ve never played, here’s how:
Do a set of six or so 50s.
Count your stroke for each 50 and track your time.
Add these two numbers together to figure out your “score.”
Aim to lower your score on each round – decrease your time or stroke count, or both.
Make it a challenge for every 50 to beat your lowest score, until you can’t get it any lower.
Tip: make sure you focus on technique – hand extension, glide, and hip rotation – don’t just kick harder to try to lower your stroke count.
Depending on what level you swim at, there are many variations for this game. For beginner swimmers, and even intermediate, I might get them to do a set with Zoomer fins on, and a set with their hands in fists, followed by an unaided/regular straight swimming set.
What’s your lowest time?
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