Swimming Open Water

Open Water Sighting Practice

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

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.

Progressions

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

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open water sighting triathlon technique
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