Swimming Open Water

Open Water Sighting Practice

Swimming drill for open water training sessions

Trains sighting technique and straight-line swimming for open water and triathlon events.

25 minDuration
8 playersGroup size
IntermediateDifficulty
25m pool lane or open waterSpace needed
Buoys or markersEquipment

What This Drill Improves

This swimming drill is best for intermediate players who need focused work on open water. It works well with 8 players and can be adjusted by changing the space, pressure, or scoring rules.

Setup

Lane swimming with markers placed every 25m. Simulate open water by lifting eyes to sight.

Instructions

  1. Swim freestyle. Every 6 strokes, lift eyes (not head) and sight a target buoy.
  2. Maintain forward momentum during sight — don't stop kicking.
  3. Check your line after each lap — are you drifting?
  4. 8×50m with sighting every 6 strokes.

Coaching Points

✓ Crocodile eyes — lift just enough to see.
✓ Breathe and sight in one combined movement.
✓ Choose a landmark, not just the nearest thing.

Common Mistakes to Watch For

  • Players losing focus on the main coaching point.
  • The drill area being too large or too small for the group.
  • Progressing the drill before the basic pattern is clean.

Progressions: Make It Harder

→ Sight every 10 strokes — build efficiency.
→ Swim with eyes closed for 10 strokes, sight to correct.
→ Group simulation: swim in a pack.

Regressions: Make It Easier

Start without defenders, then add pressure once the movement pattern is clear.
Allow extra touches until players understand the timing.

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open water sighting triathlon technique
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