By Torrey Hart
July 30th, 2019

SwimSwam thanks SwimmersBest for sponsoring “Drill of the Month.” This is a SwimSwam recurring feature that brings drills and idea submissions from various creative and innovative coaches all over the world.

This month the drill comes to us from Jeremy Gregory, head senior coach of the Aquatic Team of Mecklenburg in Charlotte, North Carolina (ATOM-NC). He swam collegiately for Auburn University, and in 2004 made the USA Open Water World Championships Team, competing in the 5k in Dubai.

“I don’t necessarily give drills for them to do, but I enjoy watching them swim with no splashes. I believe it allows them to improve balance and proprioception. As much as I love to coach, in the end they are their own best coaches. If they can master their own craft, their 6th sense, per se, they take more ownership and learn at a higher rate.”

Gregory also uses the technique to help injured swimmers keep up their feel for the water. Of the backstroker shown below, he said: “He actually fractured his wrist this weekend, so he comes in to swim SUPER slow but with great form to keep the proprioceptors functioning correctly. I think it’s beneficial to keep him neurally active.”

To perform the “drill,” simply have swimmers focus on their form while making as little splash as possible on the hand entry.

CHECK OUT THE DRILL BELOW: