Swimming Drills for Beginners: Where to Start
Simple drills for early swimmers, what each one practises, and how to progress with a coach.
Short answer
Drills break a stroke into small parts you can practise slowly. For beginners, start with a few and do them near a wall in water you can stand in. Ask your coach which fit your stage.
Start here
- Bubbles at the wall: hold the wall, face in, breathe out steadily, lift to breathe in. For breathing.
- Wall float: hold the wall, lie flat with a supported float, then stand. For floating.
- Push and glide: push off the wall in a streamline, glide, then stand. For gliding.
- Kicking at the wall or with a board: straight legs, loose ankles. For kicking.
Next steps, with a coach
- Kick with side breathing: kick with one arm forward and breathe to the side.
- One-arm freestyle: one arm stroking while the other rests forward. For freestyle.
- Back kick and one-arm backstroke. For backstroke.
- Breaststroke arms then legs, one at a time. For breaststroke.
Tips
- Keep drills short, then rest.
- Do one thing at a time and stay relaxed.
- Stop if you feel tired, cold or unsafe. See common problems.
An online guide cannot assess a swimmer
Drills do not replace instruction. Beginners should practise only in shallow, supervised water.
Common questions
Which drills should a beginner start with?
Bubbles at the wall, a supported float, push and glide, and kicking at the wall or with a board. Check with your coach first.
Can I do swimming drills on my own?
Only in shallow water, with supervision, and for skills your coach has shown you.
Written by the Swim2u Swim School coaching team. Last reviewed 23 October 2026.