An introduction to training tools

There are many training tools available on the market nowadays, all designed to help you in some way to improve your stroke and swimming experience. Over the coming months, we will be going in-depth in to each of the ‘training tool’ groups mentioned in this article, so that you can select the tools that are right for you.

Kickboards
Kickboards are ‘handheld’ floating devices, designed to help the swimmer focus purely on the lower section of the body during swim training. Because the arms are taken out of the equation, the swimmer can put their focus in to strengthening legs, developing kick technique, and improving body position.

Pull buoys
Pull buoys are designed to be held between the thighs, and to allow the swimmer to work on the top half of the body.  They are excellent training devices for building upper-body strength and endurance, as well as allowing the swimmer to work on their core, as to improve streamline position in the water.

Fins
Designed to work in ‘over-speed’, fins add propulsion to kicks. Short fins allow the swimmer to swim faster, without lowering the kick frequency. Stiffer fins are perfect for advanced swimmers who wish to obtain maximum power, while softer fins are a better choice for recreational swimmers, as they help prevent cramps.

Hand & Finger paddles
Hand and finger paddles not only help develop upper body strength by increasing the resistance during the pull phase, but they can also assist with technique.  In short, if the hand position is incorrect, especially during the entry or exit, the paddle will enhance the defect and make it more evident to the swimmer.

Swim Snorkels
Swim snorkels allow the swimmer to focus on stroke technique without the need to turn the head to breathe. It allows the swimmer to relax and maintain proper body alignment and improve stroke efficiency and stability. They can help improve head positioning and body roll, and can be used during any stroke.