Description

The Dog Paddle drill isolates the initial phase of the arm stroke.

Variations

There are three levels of this drill, depending on your comfort level and access to equipment:

Level I - Use Fins & Head Down

Level II - Use Fins & Head Up

Level III - No Equipment & Head Up

How to do the drill

While holding a steady kick, pull with one arm at a time. Take only half of the stroke, and once you have pulled to below your shoulder, recover the arm under the surface of the water back to the starting position. As one arm is pulling, the other arm is recovering under the water. Keep your elbows high near the surface and your fingertips pointed down.

Three key tips

Hold a steady kick

Pull halfway with high elbows

Recover your arms under the water