By Wayne Goldsmith
Three Key Concepts
Speed comes from relaxation, not force
Smooth technique beats aggressive effort every time
Breathing control is the gateway to effortless speed
IMAGE - MY GOOD FRIEND - THE LEGEND PETER BICK.
Here's something that will shock most swimmers and coaches: the harder you try to go fast, the slower you'll swim.
I've watched thousands of swimmers over three decades, from Olympic champions to age group beginners. The fastest swimmers all share one secret—they make speed look effortless. Katie Ledecky doesn't grimace and strain when she destroys world records. Adam Peaty doesn't thrash the water when he powers through 50 breaststroke. They relax, breathe, and let their technique do the work.
Yet walk onto any pool deck and what do you see? Swimmers red-faced, muscles tensed, fighting the water like it's their enemy. Coaches yelling "HARDER! FASTER! MORE EFFORT!" The result? Slower times, poor technique, and swimmers who believe speed requires suffering.
Speed is about flow, not force. When you relax your shoulders, your stroke lengthens. When you control your breathing, your rhythm improves. When you stay calm, your technique stays intact even when lactate floods your muscles. The water responds to smoothness, not aggression.
Think about the greatest swimmers you've ever watched race. They don't look like they're working hard—they look like they're dancing through the water. That's because they've learned the fundamental truth: there is no effort in speed.
Summary The fastest swimmers in the world understand that speed comes from relaxation, controlled breathing, and smooth technique—not from muscular effort or aggressive thrashing.
Three Practical Exercises
The Whisper Drill: Swim 50s where your stroke is so smooth it barely makes a sound—focus on entering the water like you're slipping through silk, not breaking glass.
Breath Control Sets: 4 x 100 breathing every 3rd or 4th or 5th stroke throughout—learn that controlled breathing creates rhythm and rhythm creates speed.
Effortless Pace: Swim your goal race pace while feeling like you're swimming at 70% effort—if it feels hard, you're doing it wrong.
Copyright Wayne Goldsmith. All Rights Reserved.