Training with a Swim Snorkel

In this article, we’ll provide advice, hacks and tips on the benefits of training with a swim snorkel.

What is a swim snorkel?

A swim snorkel is a specialist piece of swimming breathing equipment used predominately during freestyle and butterfly training.

• It allows a swimmer to breathe when their face is in the water.
• It consists of a mouthpiece and a breathing tube, positioned centrally over the swimmer’s face, supported by a head strap.

The benefits of training with a swim snorkel

Training with a swim snorkel can provide a swimmer with many benefits. These include,

Stroke technique

They can be a great way of enabling the swimmer to focus on their stroke technique without the distraction of them having to perform a regular breathing pattern.

• This can allow the swimmer to develop a more balanced stroke.
• Many long and mid-distance swimmers use a swim snorkel while developing and maintaining their stroke length.

Body and head position

They can help the swimmers keep their body and head aligned in the correct position

Leg kick development

Some coaches use a swim snorkel for streamlined kicking sets.

• This enables the swimmer to remain in an optimum horizontal prone position.
• This allows the swimmer to focus on developing their leg kick.

Speed development

As a swim snorkel allows swimmers to swim undistracted in the optimum position, many sprinters use them during speed drills to help develop their swimming speed.

Cardiovascular development

Some swim snorkels have the capability to have a cardio cap fitted.

• A cardio cap reduces the amount of air a swimmer can receive via a swim snorkel.
• This is used for hypoxic training to increase the ability of muscles to work better when oxygen levels are low.

Related articles on stroke count and stroke rate

We have produced related articles, on both how to use stroke count and stroke rate and stroke count and stroke rate drills. Which you can view by clicking these links: how to use stroke count and stroke rate | stroke count and stroke rate drills.

How to use a swim snorkel

A swim snorkel can be used by swimmers of all ages and abilities.

• Some swimmers may find that it can take a few training sessions to get used to training with a swim snorkel.
• Firstly, they should not be used when diving from the poolside/deck or from a starting block.
• When performing a push and glide start or a turn, swimmers may find that their swim snorkel moves as a result of the water pressure, before it returns to its proper position as soon as they surface.
• Swimmers will also have to learn to remove any water that may enter the swim snorkel buy way of performing a vigorous whale-like exhalation.
• Swimmer should ensure that when performing freestyle, they focus on keeping their head as still as possible.
• Some swimmers prefer using a nose clip when using a swim snorkel to ensure that water does not enter their nose.
• Junior or less experienced swimmers may benefit from wearing swim fins when first mastering their use.

Swim snorkel introductory drills

Listed below are some of our favourite swim snorkel introductory drills.

Blowhole drill introduction

Purpose: To introduce a swimmer to the breathing technique required to remove water from their swim snorkel while swimming.

How to perform this drill: From a push and glide approximately a metre under the surface, from the end of the pool.

• As soon as the swimmer rises to the surface, they should perform a vigorous whale-like exhalation, which completely clears their snorkel.
• They should continue to swim freestyle for a length/lap of the pool.
• Every five strokes they should perform a surface dive, again approximately a metre under the surface.
• As with the push and glide, as soon as the swimmer rises to the surface from their surface dive, they should perform a vigorous whale-like exhalation, which completely clears their snorkel.
• Swimmers should ensure they have enough space in the lane to perform this drill correctly and are not rushed by other swimmers.

Blowhole drill development

Purpose: To further develop a swimmer’s breathing technique. This drill introduces the swimmer on how to remove water from their swim snorkel following a turn.

How to perform this drill:

• As for the drill above, the swimmer performs a push and glide and a series of surface drives every five freestyle strokes
• However, this drill requires the swimmer to perform this drill over two lengths/laps.
• The swimmer should perform a tumble/flip turn at the end of their first length/lap.
• Again, as soon as the swimmer rises to the surface, they should perform a vigorous whale-like exhalation, which completely clears their snorkel.
• They should continue to swim freestyle for the remaining length/lap of the pool.
• Swimmers should ensure they have enough space in the lane to perform this drill correctly and are not rushed by other swimmers.

Blowhole drill mid-pool turns

Purpose: To further develop a swimmer’s swim snorkel breathing technique. This drill introduces the swimmer on how to remove water from their swim snorkel following a series of mid-pool turns.

How to perform this drill: Starting from a push and glide at the end of the pool, the swimmer performs a series of tumble turns, down the length of the pool, after every five strokes.

• As soon as the swimmer completes a mid-pool turn, they should perform a vigorous whale-like exhalation, which completely clears their snorkel.
• Swimmers should ensure they have enough space in the lane to perform this drill correctly and are not rushed by other swimmers.

Recommended swim snorkel and nose clip

Amazon affiliate links

Our articles and posts may contain Amazon affiliate links, to products we use and recommend. If you buy something through one of these links, you won’t pay a penny more, but we’ll receive a small commission, which helps keep us in the water. Many thanks.

Many of our swimmers use and recommend the MP Michael Phelps Unisex Focus Snorkel when performing many freestyle and butterfly drills.

• Unique, low-profile, hydrodynamic tube reduces drag and eases breathing
• Increases cardiovascular strength and lung capacity
• Adjustable lightweight head bracket with an integrated cushion ensures a comfortable fit
• Silicone Comfo-Bite mouthpiece minimizes jaw fatigue
• One-way purge valve positioned to maximize clearing of excess water

Many of our swimmers don’t like water entering their nose while swimming. They use and recommend the Savita Swimming Nose Clip to help prevent this.

• 10 packs with 10 different colours super value pack for family and friends.
• Soft and comfortable, ergonomic design.
• Made of high-quality silicone material soft.
• Nose clip keeps your nose dry, don’t worry about water entering your nose anymore. Excellent for beginners
• The Nose Clip fits both adults and children from age 7 and above.

Takeaways

The benefits of training with a swim snorkel

Training with a swim snorkel can provide a swimmer with many benefits. These include,

• Stroke technique
• Body and head position
• Leg kick development
• Speed development
• Cardiovascular development

Swimming resource library

We have provided a swimming resource library.

• This contains links to all of our publications and blog articles.
• Now with an easy to use index.
• To access any article simply click on the attached page link: Swimming resource library

Recommended swimming equipment

We have provided a recommended swimming equipment page.

• It contains swimming equipment that we and our swimmers use and recommend.
• You can access this page by clicking on the following link: recommended swimming equipment

The Competitive Swimming Exchange – Facebook Group

The Competitive Swimming Exchange. Is a Facebook group to help exchange ideas and information to collectively improve the sport we love.

• It’s an international group for all swimmers, coaches, teachers, masters, triathletes and swimming parents.
• In fact, it’s for all those who are interested in competitive swimming, either in the pool or in open water.

Amazon affiliate links

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