The Ultimate List of Swimming Articles

This page has all the swim articles we’ve written since launching YourSwimLog.com in 2013.

There are over 1,000 articles on the site, all looking to address the question, “How can I help you swim faster?”

To answer this, the swimming articles that populate YourSwimLog.com cover a span of topics, from nutrition, to mental training, to swimming workouts and sets for swimmers, to swim and pool gear, and a whole lot more.

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The mission is simple: to help you unleash some serious high-performance on your swimming, whether that means hacking your practices or learning how to stay cool and collected when you are stepping up on the block. Or, just finding the right pair of swim goggles.

Dive in, poke around, and get more from your time in the pool.

Swim Training Tips

Swimming faster in the pool requires attention to detail, including swimming with excellent technique, using the right tools for getting more from your swim practices, and more.

6 Taper Sprint Sets for Maximum Race Readiness

Taper doesn’t mean it’s time to coast–here are six sprint sets to fine-tune speed and power so that you can swim fast when it matters.

Dryland Training for Sprint Freestyle: What to Do and How to Program It

Dryland training builds the strength, power, and stability sprint freestylers need to explode off the block, nail the turn, and hold speed to the wall. Here’s what to do and how to program it.

How to Master Stroke Rate for Faster Sprint Freestyle

Learn why stroke rate matters for sprint freestyle, what happens when you push past your natural maximum, and how to build the turnover that holds up on race day.

The Sprint Freestyle Pull: Mechanics, Power, and How to Train It

Everything you need to know about the sprint freestyle pull—how it works, how it differs from regular freestyle, and the training methods that actually build pull power and speed.

Why Elite Sprinters Don’t Breathe in the 50 Freestyle

Should you breathe in the 50 freestyle? Here’s why elite sprinters avoid breathing—and how to train yourself to breathe less.

How to Build a Kick That Actually Makes You Faster in the 50 Free

The sprint freestyle kick is one of the most undertrained skills in the 50 free. Here’s how to develop the power, tempo, and mechanics that make it a weapon.

For more articles and guides on how to improve swim technique and get more from your swim practices, click here.

Swim Workouts

Looking for some swim workouts and sets to take your training and race-day performance to the next level? Here is a huge collection of swimming workouts for every type of swimmer and goal.

27 Workouts for Swimmers (Beginner to Olympian)

From first-time lap swimmers to elite competitors, these 27 workouts give every swimmer a structured, purposeful session to build speed, endurance, and technique.

A Race Pace Set for Winning the Back Half of the 100 Freestyle

This tough 100 race pace set from Richard Quick teaches swimmers how to sustain speed when rest disappears and fatigue hits hard.

A Sprint Set for Explosive Underwaters and Closing Speed

A Sprint-Focused Workout for Explosive Underwaters and Closing Speed

Looking for added speed? Here’s a swim workout designed for explosive underwaters and closing speed.

6 Sprint Sets for Swimmers (Speed, Power, and Technique)

Level up your sprint speed with these proven sprint swim workouts. Build power, sharpen tempo, and master the mechanics that make you faster on race day.

3 Swim Workouts with Drag Chutes

Looking for swim workouts with a drag chute to bolster swim speed and hone technique? You’ve come to the right place. Let’s “chute” for improvement and faster swimming.

Swim Workout for Improving Kick and Pull Connection

A Swim Workout for Improving Kick-Pull Connection in Freestyle

Struggling to coordinate a fast kick with your stroke? Here’s a swim workout designed to improve the connection between the arms and legs in freestyle.

For all of our swim workouts and swim sets, click here.

Mental Training Articles

Looking to elevate your mental game in the pool? From goal setting to developing epic levels of confidence on race day, learn the secrets of peak mental performance in the pool.

Plateaus for Swimmers (The Complete Guide)

Plateaus for swimmers can be frustrating and demoralizing. Learn what they are, why they happen to swimmers, and how you can physically and mentally break

How Swimmers Can Perform Under Pressure - The Complete Guide

How Elite Swimmers Perform Under Pressure (Complete Guide)

Struggling with pressure in competition? Learn how pressure works, why swimmers choke, and proven strategies for handing pressure when it counts.

Burnout for Swimmers (The Complete Guide)

Burnout for swimmers starts long before you feel checked out. Learn what burnout is, what it looks like, how it impacts swimmers, and what swimmers

Pre-Race Routines for Swimmers (The Complete Guide)

Pre-race routines are a proven tool for better performances on race day. Learn what it is, why swimmers should use one, and how to build

Mindfulness for Swimmers: How to Stay Calm & Focused When It Matters Most

Mindfulness for swimmers is a tool for better focus, managing nerves, and swimming faster when it counts. Learn what it is, why swimmers should use

Fear of Failure for Swimmers (The Complete Guide)

Fear of failure is a common experience for swimmers. Learn what it is, how it hurts swim performance, and how to overcome it.

For more articles and guides on conquering mental training in swimming, click here.

Dryland Articles

Dryland and strength training are proven ways to get more from your swimming performance. From dryland workouts to core training to the best stretches for swimmers, we’ve got the pool-side of swim training covered.

Does the Barbell Back Squat Predict Start Performance?

Does the barbell back squat predict swim start performance? Research shows stronger sprinters get to 15m faster. Read on for the data and strength benchmarks.

How Often Should Swimmers Strength Train?

Strength training can improve swim performance when done properly—which means lifting smart and progressively both in terms of resistance and frequency. Here’s what swimmers need to know.

6 Benefits of Plyometric Training for Swimmers

Plyometrics are one of the best forms of dryland for swimmers looking to up performance in the pool. Here’s a look at the benefits of plyos for swimmers looking to get faster.

VASA Trainer Pro Review: The Swimmer’s Ultimate Dryland Tool for a More Powerful Stroke

Wondering if the VASA Trainer Pro is the right addition to your dryland training? Here is a hands-on review and how it can help you swim faster in the pool.

3 Dryland Workouts for a Faster Freestyle Kick

Looking to level up your freestyle kick? Here are three dryland workouts designed to build a stronger freestyle kick.

5 Dryland Core Workouts for Faster Swimming

Looking for some ready-made core workouts for improved swim performance? Here are five dryland core workouts for every kind of swimmer.

For more articles and guides on using dryland to help you swim faster than ever, click here.

Nutrition Articles

The swimmer’s appetite is legendary. We have tapped some of the best sport dietitians in the world to provide nutrition advice specific to swimmers.

What Swimmers Should Eat Before, During, and After a Swim Meet

Fuel yourself like a champion so that you can race like a champion. Here are some proven tips from sports dietitians on what to eat

What Do Olympic Swimmers Eat?

The swimmer appetite legendary. Here’s what Olympic swimmers put down while training and racing.

Supplements and Swimmers: It’s at Your Own Risk

You work hard in the pool, and now you want an edge over the other swimmers in the water. Here’s one of the big risks

5 Race Day Nutrition Tips for Swimmers

Confused about what to eat on race day? Here are some proven tips from NC State’s Director of Sports Nutrition to make sure you eat

Why Swimmers Shouldn’t Skip Breakfast

What we eat in the morning sets up for the rest of the day, both in the pool and out. Here’s why swimmers shouldn’t skip

Swimmers: Here's Why You Should Be Meal Prepping

Swimmers: Why You Should Be Meal Prepping

Want to eat better, save money and time, and also swim faster? Here is why you should start meal prepping immediately.

For more articles and guides on how to fuel for success in the pool, click here.

Swim Gear Articles

As a lifelong competitive swimmers, I’ve tested and tried just about every piece of swim gear under the sun. Below, you’ll find unbiased reviews of many popular types of swimming equipment.

How the FINIS Foil Monofin Can Make You a Better Dolphin Kicker (Review)

Ready to up your dolphin kick? Here’s how the FINIS Foil Monofin can help swimmers improve UDK technique and power.

The Best Fins for a Faster Dolphin Kick

Looking to up your dolphin kick skills? Here are the best fins to improve undulation, power, and dolphin kick technique.

How to Use DragSox for Faster Dolphin Kicking

5 Ways to Use DragSox for Faster Dolphin Kicking

DragSox are one of the best tools swimmers have to build crisper underwaters. Here are five ways to use them for more powerful and efficient

Does Sprinting with a Racing Jammer Improve Swim Speeds?

Curious how wearing a racing jammer affects swim performance? Here’s how a men’s tech suit compares against your standard training swimsuit.

The Best Swim Benches for Stronger and Faster Swimming

Swim benches are an excellent way to build superhero swim strength and improve technique. Here’s a hands-on review of the best swim benches for faster

How to Use a Drag Chute for Faster Swimming

Looking for tips on how to use a drag chute for improved swim performances? Read on for some proven tips, sets, and pointers for training

For more reviews and to see all of the swim gear we have tested, click here.

Most Recent Articles

Prefer to go through all of YourSwimLog.com’s articles chronologically? Challenge accepted! Here is a full archive of all the articles posted here over the years.