Competitive swimmer posses a skill that they call in the swimming world a "feel the water" skill. It is a gift that most swimmers are born with as those that have a gift for music or dance. It’s easy to spot those swimmers that posses this skill and those that don’t. Those that do have the ability to pull their body through the water, rather than just spinning their arms.
What they're talking about here is that same skill. Overtime, with practice you can develop this as well. It's hard to describe in words what this actually feels like when you're in the water.
Sculling techniques are great for this type of thing.
Also if you have good control and body awearness in the water here is an advanced drill for you to try.
3 sculls 1 pull.
Stretch out your pulling arm in front and the opposite arm in a recovery position. Recovery position may be above water or by your side as you finish each stroke. With your leading hand perform 3 sculls and then pull your body through the water and switch to the other side. Don't forget to keep your kick going. If you're kick is weak, use a pull buoy. Remember to get your lats involved into your pulls.
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