Side Stroke Swimming: Tips and Technique

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Side Stroke Swimming: Tips and Technique

The side stroke is one of swimming’s most overlooked techniques — but it offers serious benefits for control, recovery, and efficiency in the water. Whether you’re training for open water, improving body rotation, or learning how to breathe with ease, sidestroke swimming builds skills that transfer across all strokes. In this guide, I’ll break down sidestroke mechanics, introduce dryland exercises to improve your mobility and stability, and walk you through my go-to swim drills — each with a video link. If you’re ready to add a powerful, low-impact stroke to your skill set, start here.

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Sculling Swimming Drills: How to Build Feel for the Water

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Sculling Swimming Drills: How to Build Feel for the Water

Struggling to feel the water, even with solid strength and training? Sculling may be the missing link. In this guide, Coach Dan Daly breaks down what sculling in swimming really is, why it matters, and how to build it into your weekly routine. You'll learn proven sculling swimming drills — from front scull to catch scull — and get practical tips to improve your body position, stroke connection, and sensory awareness in the water. Whether you’re a high school swimmer or a masters athlete, it’s time to reconnect with your stroke.

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How to Swim Long Distance with Better Technique

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How to Swim Long Distance with Better Technique

Mastering long-distance swimming isn’t just about endurance—it’s about technique, pacing, and mental strength. As a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, I’ve coached athletes from local events to Olympic trials, refining their stroke efficiency, breathing patterns, and training plans. In this guide, I’ll share expert tips on improving body position, increasing distance per stroke, and building stamina through structured workouts. Whether you're preparing for a 5K swim or just want to swim farther with less effort, these proven strategies will help you conquer long-distance swimming with confidence.

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What to Eat Before a Swim Meet: The Best Pre-Race Foods

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What to Eat Before a Swim Meet: The Best Pre-Race Foods

Choosing the right foods before a swim meet can make a big difference in your performance. Eating the best pre-race meals ensures you have the energy and stamina to swim strong. From slow-digesting carbohydrates to lean proteins, discover which foods to include in your diet to fuel your body efficiently. Proper pre-swim nutrition can help you feel your best in the water, so don't leave your meal plan to chance. Ready to dive in and learn more? Read the article.

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How to Tread Water Like a Pro

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How to Tread Water Like a Pro

Treading water is a fundamental swimming skill that builds strength, improves endurance, and enhances water confidence. In this guide, Coach Dan Daly shares expert tips and proven techniques, including the eggbeater kick and sculling, to help swimmers master efficient treading. Discover advanced methods, avoid common mistakes, and learn how to stay afloat effortlessly in deep water. Ready to take your skills to the next level? Read more!

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How to Safely Prepare for Cold Water Swims: A Guide to Acclimatization

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How to Safely Prepare for Cold Water Swims: A Guide to Acclimatization

Preparing for cold water swims like the English Channel or North Channel requires not only mental toughness but also proper cold water acclimatization. This blog explores the science behind how your body adapts to frigid water, practical training tips, and insights from both scientific studies and experienced swimmers. Learn how to build endurance, stay safe, and avoid cramping during long cold water swims. Whether you're preparing for an iconic swim or your first cold water event, this guide covers everything you need to know for safe and effective preparation.

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Swimming Fast and Loose

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Swimming Fast and Loose

Have you ever noticed swimmers compulsively shaking their muscles and fidgeting behind the blocks before a race? From Michael Phelps iconic arm swings to the, “dancing queen,” Sierra Schmidt, at last summers Olympic Trials, it turns out there is more to moving and staying loose, than just nervous energy.

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