Training Aids - The Key to Improving & Developing Swimming Skills

Training Aids 

Swimming is a technique orientated sport. In order to swim efficiently, arms, body and legs need to work together requiring balance, flexibility and strengh. Training aids help to improve and develop swimming skills and technique. Training aids also make a swim workout fun! So read on to find out more about the function and use of the Zoggs Training Aids.

KICKBOARDS

FUNCTION: A Kickboard is a bouyant board used to keep the upper body of a swimmer afloat while allowing free movement of the legs, improving the kicking technique. As the arms are isolated, the focus is on the kick action, great for a cardio workout and core strength! Options available for Kids, Juniors & Adults. 

HOW TO USE: Hold the Kickboard at the sides and centre it with the body, arms slightly bent and shoudlers should be relaxed. When the upper body is stable and buoyant, the kicking action will propel the body though the water. Check out our guide on everything you need to know about Kickboards before using one here. 

Find our range of Kickboards here

HAND PADDLES

FUNCTION: Hand Paddles are used for swimmers looking to develop their upper body strength as they work the muscles in the back, chest, arms and shoulders. This is acheived as the hand paddle stops water flowing through your fingers. They also help develop your swim technique as there is greater awareness of arm pull and swimming stroke.

NB# Hand Paddles should be worn by more experienced swimmers as they can put unnecessary strain on the shoulders if used incorrectly. The power of the pull action in swimming comes from the back muscles ( Lats ) and inexperienced swimmers rely on the power of their shoulders not their Lats. 

HOW TO USE: For the correct size, your paddle should be just slightly wider than the palm of your hand. The fingers should not go over the edge of the paddles. The fingers should be comfortable, slightly apart and the adjustable straps should be firm so the paddle is secure. 

When taking a stroke, it is important to stretch the arms out and catch the water and pull it through. You will know you have the incorrect stroke if it is hard to get the hand out of the water when the Hand Paddle is on.

Hand Paddles come in a M Size ( orange ) and L Size ( charcoal ). Shop Now

CENTRE LINE SNORKEL

FUNCTION: Helps you focus on the stroke technique without having to turn your head. The Centre Line Snorkel keeps your body in a straight line from the tip of your head to your ankles and keeps the body from rolling. A great option for swimmers with limited mobility in their necks.

HOW TO USE: Place the snorkel on your head with the orange plate at the front, ensuring it is sitting comfortably on your forehead. Adjust the strap for comfort. Place the mouth piece in your mouth as you would any snorkel and start swimming. Be conscious not to twist your body or your head when the snorkel is on. You can do tumble turns with the snorkel on, just make sure you give a short sharp breath out as you surface to clear the water from the snorkel. The Centre Line Snorkel also comes with a nose clip if needed.

PULL BUOY

FUNCTION: The purpose of the Pull Buoy is to create buoyancy so your hips are raised, bringing your body into a straighter position so you are more streamlined ie your legs are not dropping. It is common for your legs to be below your body line resulting in increased drag. By elevating the legs with a Pull Buoy it is easier to swim faster. Pull Buoys also help you focus on the rest of your stroke, build core strength, slow down yuor stroke - improving your overall swimming!

HOW TO USE: Position the Pull Buoy between the legs - to be worn as high as comfortable. Do not position below the knees. Legs should grip the Pull Buoy and isolate the legs so there is no kicking. Check out our guide on everything you need to know about Pull Buoys before using one here. 

Our 'How To' Video Playlist can be seen below...