As athletes, we’re always looking for that extra edge, that small adjustment that makes the difference between a good race and a great one. One of the most overlooked aspects of racing is tempo—and mastering it can be the key to unlocking your full potential. 
 
WHY TEMPO MATTERS
Tempo isn't just about how fast you’re swimming; it’s about the rhythm and consistency that drives your stroke. The right tempo brings efficiency, power, and endurance together to make you faster and more effective in the water.
 
Swimmers who train their tempo can adjust to different race conditions—whether it's a sprint or a distance event. By understanding and controlling your stroke tempo, you can respond to the demands of the race, conserve energy when you need to, and push the pace when it's time to make a move.
 
HOW TO TRAIN THE TEMPO
Use the right equipment: If you want to swim at a fast speed, you need training equipment that facilitates and encourages a strong, fast tempo – like our Fusion Hand Paddles.
 
Master the six-beat kick:​ For every freestyle stroke cycle, try to kick six times. This rhythmic kicking pattern helps maintain speed, balance, and propulsion through the water. Our Swift Kick Fins are a great way to master this skill!
 
Focus on Rhythm in Drills: Incorporate stroke drills into your workouts that challenge your tempo at different paces. Whether you’re working on distance per stroke or speed, building that awareness will help you fine-tune your stroke for race day. 
 
Stay focused, swim fast! We’re with you every step of the way.
 
The A3 Performance Team
September 27, 2024 — Bill Natlo

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