💙 Our Favourite Swim Training Tools

(and a Few We Avoid!)

Hey Swimmers,

In a sport filled with gadgets and gear, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by what’s worth using and what’s just taking up space in your kit bag. As with anything at Swim Smooth, our approach to training tools is simple: if it doesn’t have a clear purpose and proven benefit, we leave it out.

Just like Chris Boardman’s coach Peter Keen famously said:

“Only do something if it can be fully explained and will make you better.”

That’s exactly how we feel about training aids.

Here’s a breakdown of the tools we do recommend—and those we avoid—with an explanation of why each one made (or didn’t make) the cut.

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✅ What We Use and Why

Over the years I’ve often been asked, “why do you recommend FINIS products so much?” - my short answer is always, actually, we don’t recommend all FINIS products, just the ones we know to work really well! Which is why you can be assured that if we recommend it, it’s because we’ve tried and tested it 1,000s of times over the years and we have these products heavily embedded into our processes.

And the best thing? You can get 30% off your FINIS gear using the link below and the code “SwimSmooth30” at checkout, which also helps us out too! Thanks!

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FINIS Tempo Trainer Pro

If we had to recommend just one piece of kit, this would be it.

This tiny metronome fits under your cap and gives you audible beeps to:

• Control stroke rate (Mode 3: 10–245spm)

• Manage send-off times and pacing (Modes 1 & 2)

Why we love it:

In Mode 1, we’ve used it to help swimmers make steady improvements of 0.1–0.2 seconds per 25m over 10 weeks—leading to a 3% improvement in CSS pace across a squad of 180 swimmers.

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Apple Watch and Garmin Devices

To get the very best from our Stroke Insights℗ technology, we recommend pairing it with either an Apple Watch or a Garmin device. These smartwatches don’t just record distance and pace – they unlock powerful post-session feedback on your stroke mechanics, showing how your technique is evolving over time. Even better, they connect directly with the Swim Smooth GURU to deliver tailored training sessions and full training plans, ensuring your workouts focus precisely on the areas that will make the biggest difference to your swimming.

Why we love them:

We've invested so much time, effort and resources over the years to providing your with the very best way that we know how to improve your swimming and the combination of the GURU with these smart devices - even if you're already swimming in one of our squads - is the best way to become the best swimmer you can be.

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FINIS Freestyler Paddles

These long, arrow-shaped paddles only stay on your hands if your entry is correct—fingertips-first and in-line. If you cross over or enter thumb-first, they’ll simply fall off.

Perfect for:
Improving recovery and entry mechanics without reinforcing bad habits.

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FINIS Agility Paddles

Strapless, dome-shaped paddles that train the early catch. If you don’t engage the water properly, they fall off. Great proprioceptive feedback.

Why we use them:
They reinforce high elbow catch technique and promote good hand alignment under pressure.

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FINIS Floating Fins

Long, soft, flexible fins that:

• Improve ankle mobility

• Add propulsion for drills

• Help swimmers find better body position

Avoid short, stiff fins—they often aggravate cramping and ankle tension, especially in adult swimmers.

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FINIS Pull Buoy

Useful for stroke isolation and catch awareness when used purposefully. But overused, it can create over-reliance and lead to poor rotation.

Our rule:
If you grab it out of fatigue, we might just ask you to put it back!

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🚫 What We Avoid and Why

Kickboards

They increase drag, compromise posture, and are counterproductive for swimmers with low-sitting legs. Instead, we prefer:

• Torpedo kicking with fins

• Side kicking for balance and control

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Big ‘Strappy’ Paddles

Large paddles can mask poor technique and place excessive strain on the shoulders. They’re rarely beneficial for distance swimmers.

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Regular Wrist Stopwatches

Obsolete with the Tempo Trainer and newer Smart devices like the Apple Watch or swim-focused Garmins.

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Fist Gloves

Restrictive latex gloves designed to simulate fist swimming. Instead, use drills like:

• Fist drill

• Scull work

• Agility paddles
  These promote catch awareness more naturally and effectively.

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Use Tools with Purpose, Not Just Curiosity

A tool is only as good as the context you use it in. That’s why we never recommend swimming with fins just because it’s easier, or using a pull buoy to mask fatigue. But when applied with intent, the right tool can fast-track learning, reinforce good habits, and break through plateaus.

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Looking Ahead: Plan B Thinking

Next week, we’ll look at what happens when your race doesn’t go to plan—and how having a well-rehearsed Plan B can help you recover, adapt, and still deliver a strong performance. This builds on the principles we explored in the “Keep Calm & Swim On” post from July.

As ever, thanks for reading! Your Coach, Paul.