Swim Workout: How to Scull

Most swimmers scull constantly in the water without knowing it. When you're in the deep end of the pool and move your arms back and forth to stay afloat, you're performing a basic scull. However, you can improve your technique if you pay attention to these small motions made by your arms and hands. Improving your sculling technique means better propulsion during every swimming motion you make.

Instructions

    • 1

      Scull without paying attention to technique at first. Stay afloat in the deep end without using your legs and using your upper arms as little as possible. Sculling is mainly about the area from your elbows to your fingertips.

    • 2

      Put your arms at shoulder level and bend your elbows slightly. Keep your arms underneath, but close to, the surface of the water.

    • 3

      Turn your palms 45 degrees to the front and move both arms in front of you. This angle is what lifts your body in the water. Don't bring your hands together.

    • 4

      Turn your palms 45 degrees so that they face behind you, and move your arms backwards. Straighten your elbows slightly; if your arms are straight, you've gone too far.

    • 5

      Turn your palms 45 degrees to the front; continually repeat Steps 3 and 4.

    • 6

      Perform scull drills in different positions. The canoe, for example, requires you to lie facedown with an arched back and your head out of the water. Put your hands at your sides and scull.

    • 7

      Perform a catch-up drill. Lie facedown once again and extend your arms over your head. Scull in small motions to improve your pull with the butterfly or breaststroke.