Fitter And Faster Drill Of The Week: Two Scoops Backstroke With Nick Thoman

Welcome to the “Drill of the Week” sponsored by The Fitter and Faster Swim Tour presented by Swimoutlet.com. Swimming World will provide you with a weekly tip or drill from an elite level swimmer to make you a smarter and faster swimmer.

This week’s drill is Two Scoops Backstroke Drill, explained by 2012 Olympic Silver medalist – Nick Thoman. This terrific drill will help swimmers establish a feel and proprioception of what an early “catch” in backstroke should feel like.

By beginning each pull with two small scoops, you can increase your “feel” for the water during the catch phase of the stroke. While utilizing and early catch in freestyle may come more naturally, in backstroke it is far less intuitive.

The scooping motion works in a progressive manner, working to build a large “paddle” from the swimmer’s elbow to their finger-tip. This drill also works on the backstroke rotation and core stability, as well as maintaining a strong kick throughout the entirety of the drill.

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