Swim: Single Arm Drill

Improves Stroke Efficiency

The Single Arm Drill focuses on isolating one arm while the other remains extended forward. Perform a full freestyle stroke with the active arm, emphasising a high elbow during recovery and a smooth pull under your body. This drill helps develop proper stroke mechanics, body balance, and better overall technique.

This drill improves individual arm technique, stroke efficiency, and body balance.

Key Points:

  • Arm Isolation: Keep one arm extended forward while pulling with the other, focusing on a controlled, high-elbow recovery and proper catch.
  • Symmetrical Body Rotation: Rotate your body as if both arms were pulling, even though only one is active. This ensures even body rotation and improves balance.
  • Steady Kick: Maintain a consistent flutter kick to support your body position and prevent sinking.
  • Breathing: You can breathe to the side of the active arm or use a snorkel for more stability, ensuring you don’t lose balance while focusing on the pull.

Drill Execution:

  1. Start in Position 11: Push off the wall with both arms extended in front. Begin the drill by pulling with one arm while keeping the other motionless in front or by your side (for more advanced swimmers).
  2. Alternate Arms: Complete 25m or 50m with one arm, then switch to the other for the next length. Alternatively, you can switch arms halfway through each lap.
  3. Focus on Form: Make sure to rotate your body evenly, engage your core, and keep the non-active arm stable.

Progressions:

  1. Switch Arms by Length: Start by swimming one full length with one arm, then alternate to the other arm for the next length. Focus on controlling the rotation and balance.

  2. Arm by Your Side: As you advance, hold the non-pulling arm by your side. This removes the added balance from the extended arm and requires more core engagement.

  3. With Snorkel: Use a snorkel to eliminate the need for breathing rotation. This allows you to focus purely on arm mechanics and body alignment.

  4. With Fins: Add fins to help maintain body position and streamline, allowing you to focus more on the arm movements and rotation.

  5. Single Arm Drill with Breathing: Perform the drill while incorporating side breathing, ensuring that your body remains balanced and aligned when turning to breathe.

Personalised 1:1 Coaching

Customised Training with Jen Coppock from £69/month

Want to take your training to the next level with a programme that’s built entirely around your goals, preferences, and lifestyle? I offer 1:1 coaching that’s as personalised as it gets—whether you love training with RPE or prefer structured plans, we’ll craft the perfect balance that gets results and keeps you motivated.

Limited Spots Available!
Due to the demands of my current degree in Sports Injury Rehabilitation, I’m only able to offer a small number of coaching spots each month. This means you’ll receive focused, high-quality attention from me, a biomechanics expert, helping you stay strong, injury-free, and improving.

Jen Coppock
Triathlon Biomechanics Coach
Llangollen, North Wales