The One Thing You’re Doing Wrong in the Pool (And It’s Slowing You Down)

Struggling to Swim Faster? Here’s the Answer
We all want to swim faster, whether it’s for fitness, competition, or simply to get through our workout with more efficiency. But despite your best efforts, you might find yourself swimming slower than you’d like. Here’s the truth: it’s not about how much you swim, but how you swim.

At Aqua Swimming Academy, we’ve helped countless swimmers improve their speed by focusing on one key factor—technique. In this article, we’ll break down the most common mistake swimmers make that’s slowing them down and what you can do about it.

Mistake #1: Improper Breathing Technique
Breathing may seem like a basic task, but it’s often the most overlooked aspect of swimming. Many swimmers—especially beginners—tend to take shallow, quick breaths, or hold their breath, which disrupts their rhythm and wastes energy.

The Solution:
The key is rhythmic breathing. Inhale quickly and deeply through your mouth as your head turns to the side, and exhale through your nose while your face is in the water. This will keep your body relaxed and allow you to swim more efficiently.

At Aqua Swimming Academy, we teach swimmers how to develop a proper breathing pattern. Mastering your breathing technique helps with endurance and reduces fatigue, enabling you to swim longer distances without tiring out quickly.

Mistake #2: Poor Body Position
Your body position in the water plays a huge role in how fast you swim. If your body is too low in the water, you create more drag, slowing you down. A lot of swimmers make the mistake of having their head too high, which sinks their legs and creates unnecessary resistance.

The Solution:
To reduce drag, keep your body as horizontal as possible. Your head should be aligned with your spine, looking straight down, not forward. Imagine a straight line from your head to your toes. This streamlined position reduces resistance and allows you to glide more efficiently through the water.

Our coaches at Aqua Swimming Academy help swimmers achieve proper body alignment by focusing on core strength, flexibility, and precise body positioning.

Mistake #3: Ignoring Stroke Technique
The way you move your arms and legs through the water matters. A common mistake swimmers make is using inefficient strokes that waste energy. Whether it’s swinging your arms too wide or not completing your stroke, improper technique can drastically slow you down.

The Solution:
Focusing on your stroke technique is the fastest way to improve your speed. Whether it’s the freestyle stroke, breaststroke, or backstroke, each one requires proper form to reduce drag and increase power. In freestyle, for example, it’s important to ensure your hand enters the water at the right angle and pulls in a straight line.

At Aqua Swimming Academy, we break down each stroke and teach swimmers how to perform them with maximum efficiency. Our personalized lessons ensure that each swimmer’s technique is optimized for speed and endurance.

Mistake #4: Not Maintaining Consistency
Swimming faster isn’t just about making a few changes to your technique—it’s about staying consistent in your practice. Many swimmers make the mistake of not swimming regularly or not focusing on technique enough during each session.

The Solution:
Consistency is key. To make lasting improvements in speed, swimmers must commit to regular practice. That means focusing on technique with every stroke, whether you’re swimming for fitness or preparing for a competition.

At Aqua Swimming Academy, we provide consistent, structured programs designed to build strength and improve swimming technique over time. With regular feedback and guided sessions, swimmers improve steadily and effectively.

Small Changes Lead to Big Gains
Swimming faster isn’t about swimming harder—it’s about swimming smarter. By correcting the most common mistakes swimmers make—like improper breathing, poor body positioning, inefficient strokes, and inconsistent practice—you can dramatically improve your speed in the water.

At Aqua Swimming Academy, we focus on helping swimmers of all levels improve their technique. Whether you’re a beginner trying to learn the basics or an experienced swimmer looking to increase your speed, we have the programs to get you to the next level.

Start Improving Your Swimming Today
Are you ready to swim faster and more efficiently? Aqua Swimming Academy offers personalized lessons that focus on improving your swimming technique and boosting your speed. Book a lesson today and start swimming smarter, not harder.

Sign up for your lesson today and take the first step towards becoming a faster, more efficient swimmer.