Fingertip drag
The fingertips travel close to the surface during recovery, slowing the movement so you can focus on a relaxed arm.
- Stroke
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Freestyle
- Goal
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Technique
- Level
-
Beginner
How to do it
Swim easy freestyle. During recovery, let the fingertips pass close to the surface without dragging the hand through the water. Enter the hand in front of the shoulder and continue the stroke normally.
Key cues
- Keep the hand and forearm relaxed during recovery.
- Let the elbow follow a comfortable path without forcing it very high.
- Maintain torso rotation.
- Enter the hand cleanly in line with the shoulder.
Common mistakes
- Pressing the fingers into the water and slowing the recovery.
- Forcing a high elbow that creates tension.
- Crossing the hand in front of the head.
- Slowing down so much that the movement becomes artificial.
Practice format
4 × 50 m: 25 m drill + 25 m full freestyle, with 15 to 20 s rest.