Drafting can be a huge advantage during the swim portion of triathlon or any open water swim event. The general rule is to position yourself behind the feet of another swimmer in clear water. In water where visibility is low, the best position is to the side, off the swimmer’s hip. When you are drafting, and trust the swimmer is not going to go off course, you don’t have to waste energy sighting, which allows you to maintain a streamlined, efficient position in the water.
Set up a course 8-10 minutes long 400-700 meters. With 2 others of similar speed. Start in water treading water. Line up side by side, far right number. Start off together. Person 1 counts 100 swim strokes, then slides down so person 2 becomes number 1 becomes person #3. 2 is 1 and 3 is 2. Count 100 strokes. Go through this pattern so everyone gets a chance to swim in the right side, center, left side. Everyone has a preferable side, your comfort side approaching someone and you dont think about it, you just do it. At times in events you will get put into these positions, not by choice.
Next line up behind each other feet to feet, drafting 100 strokes, slide to left shut pace to half speed to get to the back. 100 strokes and sighting, drafting and paceline, turn up the heat step it up 85 percent effort.
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