The purpose of the Shoulder Tap Drill is to help develop body roll and high-elbow recovery. This drill is best done using fins. Begin with a normal freestyle stroke and with your right arm extended at the front of the stroke, initiate the over-water recovery phase of the stroke with the left arm. When your left hand passes the shoulder, pause briefly and ‘tap the shoulder’ before piercing the left hand into the water. Continue with the left arm through the overwater recovery phase.
Helpful Tidbits:
– Focus on control and good body roll as you tap the shoulder through the recovery stage.
– Maintain the extended position while the opposite arm/hand enters the water in front quadrant.
– This will look like normal freestyle swimming but with a quick pause to briefly tap the shoulder.
