How I qualified for the Nationals (at 38 years old)
Quick, but relaxed. Think “sip of air,” not a big inhale.
Two-beat kick = one kick per stroke. Less effort. Better timing.
Get your fitness in the pool but build your skills in open water.
Elbow too high leads to stacked shoulders, over-rotation, and leg splay. Do this instead!
Fingers slightly below the wrist Wrist slightly below the elbow Anything else adds drag, kills power
pros will never tell you this
enter fingers-first with the hand and forearm in line (no big wristbend), then slide forward
Aim to inhale, return the face to the water, pause briefly, then begin a controlled exhale.
Aim to keep the lead hand light, extend forward through the breath, and avoid pressing down.
Reach, set the catch, then press back. Don’t rush straight through the stroke.
