How to improve the swimmer's reaction time

How to improve the swimmer's reaction time

The reaction time of a swimmer at the start is so often overlooked. This is due to the lack of learned motor skills. No one is born with this skill. Although some swimmers simply have the talent to react faster, even slow twitch muscles can be taught to react quicker with some basic drills.www.poqswim.com

Shoulder Shrug Drill: This is a simple drill that can be done almost anywhere. From a standing position with the arms extended in a streamline position and with the hands about waist high, the swimmer will react with a shrug upon a “Ready Go” from their coach or partner. There will be a slight bend in the elbows as the swimmer shrugs. The goal is to react quickly, teaching your muscles as you learn. The great thing about this drill is that is can be done both at the pool or home or anywhere. The swimmer, once they learn the drill technique correctly, can do it on their own.www.poqswim.com

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Partner Hand Slapping Drill: Another simple drill that should be done on a flat surface. One swimmer assumes the starting position, bent over, feet shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent, while the partner stands about two feet in front of them with both hands extended, palms down. Upon command of “Ready Go” the first swimmer imitates the start by rising from the starting position as fast as possible, hands in a streamline position, and slaps the underside (palms) of their partner. The goal again, is to react quickly, with the hand motion and upper body. As the above drill, this can be done almost anywhere. Once the swimmer has learned the technique, it can and should be practiced almost daily.www.poqswim.com

Jump-Starts: Like the hand slapping drill, this one starts in the starting position. No partner is needed though. A swimmer will facilitate the start in a straight upward jump into a streamline with the arms extended over their head as they leap off the ground. It is important to have a tight streamline and to jump as fast and as high as the swimmer is able. At the highest point of the leap the swimmer should be in a complete streamline position with their head tucked in between their arms and their chin off their chest. Their legs should be straight and together and their toes should be pointed.www.poqswim.com