Alexander Popov (1992 and 1996 Olympic 50m and 100m Freestyle Champion), is widely considered one of the technically best Freestyler swimmers of all time, and this video is an extract from his own DVD.

As you watch the video, try to look for the following 3 key points which I have selected for today's focus:

• Body position. Alex rotates into a position of minimal resistance, spending little time flat on his front. Less experienced can use body position drills such as those learned on DS Swim Clinics to practice getting into this strong, efficient body position.
• Acceleration of the pull. Power is generated not by achieving high speed, but by achieving high change in speed. In order to generate power from the pull swimmers must therefore increase the speed at which their arm moves during the underwater phase. Alex achieves a controlled hand entry position, allowing him to "catch" the water and accelerate through it.
• Fast Continuous Leg Kick - Alex maintains a fast continuous leg kick and, along with his excellent core strength, this contributes to him being able to maintain his efficient body position.

Those interested in learning more about how to swim fast freestyle can sign up for one of our forthcoming swim clinics. Details can be found on the main page of this site, www.ds-swim.com.

Keep checking back for further articles on freestyle and the other strokes. The next article on Breaststroke will be coming soon - watch this space!