Using a Snorkel to Improve Your Swimming

Swimming is a highly technical sport that requires the coordination of many different body parts and precise timing.

One of the most effective tools for improving your swimming technique is a snorkel.

Table of Contents

Benefits of Using a Snorkel

A snorkel is a swim training tool that can be used to focus on your breathing technique and increase your lung capacity. Here are some of the benefits of using a snorkel:

Improves Breathing Technique

Using a snorkel helps to improve your breathing technique by allowing you to focus on your stroke without worrying about turning your head to breathe. This can help you to develop a more efficient and powerful stroke.

Increases Lung Capacity

By allowing you to breathe more deeply and consistently, a snorkel can help to increase your lung capacity, which improves your overall swimming endurance.

Builds Core Strength

Swimming with a snorkel requires you to maintain a more stable body position, which can help to build strength in your core muscles.

Methodology

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a snorkel during your swim training:

1. Warm up for 10-15 minutes with some easy swimming.
2. Put on your snorkel and get in the water.
3. Swim with a steady and consistent rhythm, focusing on your stroke technique and maintaining a strong body position.
4. Start with shorter distances, such as 50 meters, and gradually increase to longer distances, up to 200 meters.
5. Incorporate snorkel sets into your swim workouts 1-2 times per week.

Example Protocol

Here is an example snorkel protocol that you can use during your swim training:

• Warm-up: 10 minutes easy swimming
• Main set: 4x50m freestyle with snorkel, focusing on technique and maintaining a strong body position. Rest for 15 seconds between each 50m.
• Recovery: 100m easy swimming
• Main set: 4x100m freestyle with snorkel, maintaining a consistent pace and focusing on technique. Rest for 30 seconds between each 100m.
• Recovery: 100m easy swimming
• Main set: 2x200m freestyle with snorkel, focusing on maintaining a strong body position, a consistent pace, and increasing your lung capacity. Rest for 1 minute between each 200m.
• Cool down: 10 minutes easy swimming

Conclusion

Using a snorkel can be a highly effective tool for improving your swimming technique. By improving your breathing technique, increasing your lung capacity, and building core strength, you can become a more efficient and powerful swimmer. Incorporate snorkel sets into your swim training 1-2 times per week to see the best results.