#425 : Secrets To Fast Freestyle with Steph Clutterbuck

#425 : Secrets To Fast Freestyle with Steph Clutterbuck

April 26, 2026 · 12 min

About this episode

Professional triathlete Steph Clutterbuck shares secrets to improving freestyle swimming technique for better speed and efficiency.

In this episode, we sit down with professional triathlete Steph Clutterbuck to break down the real secrets behind efficient freestyle swimming. Instead of grinding harder in the water, Steph explains how better technique—especially rotation, body position, and connection—can dramatically improve your speed. We dive into why many swimmers struggle with a flat, disconnected stroke and how that leads to wasted energy. Steph shares practical tips on how to stay long in the water, engage your core, and create a smoother, more powerful stroke. If you're stuck at a plateau or feel like swimming faster requires exhausting effort, this episode will completely change your approach. 0:11 – Introduction Overview of freestyle technique and common mistakes swimmers make 0:20 – Why swimmers struggle to get faster. 1:10 – The problem with swimming "flat". 2:10 – Why a flat stroke wastes energy. 3:15 – Importance of body rotation. 4:20 – Timing and coordination. 5:30 – Catch vs whole stroke. 6:40 – Staying long in the water. 7:45 – Using your core in freestyle. 9:00 – Common beginner mistakes recap. 10:10 – How to swim faster with less effort?

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