Ask The Coach Weekly QnA: swim stroke rate and distance per stroke

Coach Atul Godbole answers your training related questions…

Q. Anand asks: “What can I do to increase my swim stroke rate”

A. The stroke rate is the number of strokes that you take per minute. The Finis Tempo Trainer device is a great tool for this. It emits a continuous beep at an interval you set (1 per second, 1 per 1.5 seconds, etc) and you try to match your stroke rate to that beep.

Alternately, you can internalize the beat at your desired frequency and use that beat mentally during your swims, though this takes a bit more focus.

Q. Ankush asks: “When trying to improve swimming, why work on increasing stroke rate rather than distance per stroke”

A. Swim speed comes from only two things: distance per stroke (DPS) and stroke rate (SR). The DPS in turn depends on power and efficiency, but there is a natural limit to how powerful and efficient you can become (you cannot cover one pool length in one stroke after all!), so the only way to increase speed is to improve the SR.

However, do not focus on one over the other, but work on both simultaneously. Most swimmers are not anywhere close to their natural power and efficiency limit, nor their stroke rate.

 


Runners and triathletes, have training, diet, nutrition related queries? Send email to askthecoach@motiv8coaching.com 

 

This and lots more articles, resources, videos and other content is available for CLUB Motiv8 members. Know more about CLUB Motiv8 -  If you are already a member, login here