SwimQuest
Login Sign up

Front scull

Small hand and forearm sweeps in front of the body to explore pressure and feel for the water.
Stroke
Choice
Goal
Feel for the water
Level
Beginner
Equipment
Pull buoy

How to do it

Extend the arms forward with soft elbows. Make small outward and inward sweeps, changing the angle of the hands and forearms slightly to keep continuous pressure on the water. Travel slowly; a pull buoy can stabilize the legs if needed.

Key cues

  • Keep the movements small and continuous.
  • Look for pressure on the palm and forearm.
  • Keep the shoulders relaxed.
  • A pull buoy is optional and should only simplify body position.

Common mistakes

  • Making large arm movements.
  • Pressing with the hands only.
  • Tensing the wrists and shoulders.
  • Trying to move fast.

Practice format

6 × 15 to 25 m very easy with 20 s rest, then 4 × 25 m full stroke while looking for the same pressure.

Mid-position scull

Scull with bent elbows in a position close to the catch so you can feel pressure on the hands and forearms.

Choice · Feel for the water · Intermediate View drill

Streamline push-off

Repeat only the push-off and streamlined body line so the wall exit is stable before adding kick and breakout.

Choice · Turns and streamlines · Beginner View drill

Fist drill

Closing the hands reduces their surface area and makes pressure on the forearms easier to notice.

Freestyle · Feel for the water · Intermediate View drill