#428 : Swim Technique Hierarchy of Needs

I recently joined the That Triathlon Show Podcast with Mikael Eriksson for a deep dive into freestyle technique and what I call the "swim technique hierarchy of needs."   In this conversation, we break down the key elements of efficient swimming including breathing, body position, rotation, catch mechanics, timing, and how to adapt your stroke for open-water racing. We also discuss some of the most common mistakes triathletes make in the water, how to fix them, and why many swimmers plateau even when their technique looks good on video.   We also get into topics like kick timing, front-quadrant swimming, stroke rate, drills that actually transfer to faster swimming, open-water skills, and what it really takes to become a strong swimmer as an adult-onset triathlete.   If you're looking to swim faster, feel more efficient in the water, or better understand how to prioritize your technique work, this episode is packed with practical coaching insights you can apply right away. 03:37 A hierarchy of needs for freestyle technique   07:50 Building the frame of the body   12:20 Kick tempo and stroke rate    17:05 Training the Kick for racing options    18:40 Rotation   23:30 The catch and pull   29:32 YMCA Drill   35:10 Timing and creative freedom in racing   38:20 Speed versus stroke appearance   41:15 The importance of purposeful drills   46:05 Capturing your technique on camera   48:00 The nature of swim talent   52:46 Swim frequency and distance   57:00 Structuring swim workouts   59:01 Intensity distribution across swim sessions   01:03:30 Open water versus pool technique   01:07:20 The importance of drafting   01:08:36 Drafting and preparation for open water   01:15:50 - Racing bravely in the swim   01:18:42 -The Goggles   01:23:50 - Choosing the right lens for conditions