Podcast
The Effortless Swimming Podcast
Hosted by Brenton Ford · EN
Faster times and better technique aren't a guarantee when you train hard. What really makes a difference to your speed and efficiency in the water? The Effortless Swimming podcast helps make a complex sport really simple to better your swimming. We cover open water swimming, triathlon swimming and pool swimming. Hosted by Australian National swimmer and coach Brenton Ford.
21episodes
Episodes
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#428 : Swim Technique Hierarchy of Needs
1w ago01:35:55Tap to summarizeI recently joined the That Triathlon Show Podcast with Mikael Eriksson for a deep dive into freestyle technique and what I call the "swim technique hierarchy of needs." In this conversation, we break down the key elements of efficient swimming including breathing, body position, rotation, catch mechanics, timing, and how to adapt your stroke for open-water racing. We also discuss some of the most common mistakes triathletes make in the water, how to fix them, and why many swimmers plateau even when their technique looks good on video. We also get into topics like kick timing, front-quadrant swimming, stroke rate, drills that actually transfer to faster swimming, open-water skills, and what it really takes to become a strong swimmer as an adult-onset triathlete. If you're looking to swim faster, feel more efficient in the water, or better understand how to prioritize your technique work, this episode is packed with practical coaching insights you can apply right away. 03:37 A hierarchy of needs for freestyle technique 07:50 Building the frame of the body 12:20 Kick tempo and stroke rate 17:05 Training the Kick for racing options 18:40 Rotation 23:30 The catch and pull 29:32 YMCA Drill 35:10 Timing and creative freedom in racing 38:20 Speed versus stroke appearance 41:15 The importance of purposeful drills 46:05 Capturing your technique on camera 48:00 The nature of swim talent 52:46 Swim frequency and distance 57:00 Structuring swim workouts 59:01 Intensity distribution across swim sessions 01:03:30 Open water versus pool technique 01:07:20 The importance of drafting 01:08:36 Drafting and preparation for open water 01:15:50 - Racing bravely in the swim 01:18:42 -The Goggles 01:23:50 - Choosing the right lens for conditions
Transcribe →#427 : It Sucks, But It Will Make Swimming Feel Easy
2w ago00:03:52Tap to summarizeWhy does swimming feel so hard after just a short break from the pool? In this episode, we talk about the importance of consistency in swimming and why regular time in the water is the key to feeling faster, smoother, and more comfortable. We also cover how drills like front scull can help improve your feel for the water and regain confidence after time away from training. If you're searching for the "secret" to better swimming, this episode breaks down why consistency beats shortcuts every time. 00:11 – Why consistency matters so much in swimming 01:04 – How regular swimming helps you feel comfortable in the water 02:35 – Using front scull drills to improve feel for the water 03:17 – The real secret to swimming faster: consistency
Transcribe →#426 : Once You Ignore Your Watch, You'll Get Faster
3w ago00:03:35Tap to summarizeWhat if the key to swimming faster is actually ignoring your watch? In this episode, we explore how constantly checking pace, splits, and stats can take swimmers out of the moment and disconnect them from the feel of the water. Learn why being present during training can improve technique, effort control, and overall performance — and why taking a break from your swim watch might be the reset you need. From Strava habits to flow state training, this episode challenges swimmers to focus less on data and more on awareness in the pool. Accurate Timestamps 00:14 – The cliff road analogy and being present 01:06 – Why swimming is all about feel for the water 01:56 – Watches vs using the pace clock at the pool 02:38 – Manually tracking swims instead
Transcribe →#425 : Secrets To Fast Freestyle with Steph Clutterbuck
Apr 2700:11:33Tap to summarizeIn 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?
Transcribe →#424 : How To Conquer The English Channel When You Live In The Desert with Brendan Cullen
Apr 1900:35:50Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Brendan Cullen recounts his remarkable transformation from a non-swimmer to successfully completing the demanding English Channel swim. He reflects on how mental resilience, disciplined training, and a strong sense of community support helped him overcome one of the world's toughest endurance challenges. Brendan also shares how his rural upbringing shaped his mindset, and how personal motivation and strategic preparation played key roles in pushing beyond perceived limits. 00:50 Introduction to Brendan Cullen: The Desert Swimmer 01:50 Brendan's Unique Background and Journey to Swimming 05:27 The Decision to Swim the English Channel 06:55 Training and Preparation for the Channel Swim 10:48 The Day of the English Channel Swim 24:17 Reflections on the Journey and Lessons Learned 24:40 The Impact of Open Water Swimming on Life 30:37 The Release of Brendan's Book: The Desert Swimmer
Transcribe →#423 : Why You've Been Taught To Over-Rotate with Brenton Ford
Apr 700:07:04Tap to summarizeOne of the most common things I see in newer swimmers… is how flat they are in the water. Their hips are flat, their shoulders are flat — and what ends up happening is they just spin their wheels. They're putting in a lot of effort with the arms, kicking hard with the legs… but nothing is really connecting. It feels like hard work — but it doesn't translate into speed. So in today's episode, we're going to break down why swimming flat is holding you back… and how to start linking everything together so your stroke actually works as one powerful, efficient system.
Transcribe →#422 : Why You're Not Faster After Working On Your Catch with Brenton Ford
Apr 700:04:46Tap to summarizeYou've probably heard it before — your freestyle catch is everything. And maybe you've been working on it. You've improved the position, you feel stronger in the water, and technically… it looks better. But here's the frustrating part — you're still not getting any faster. So what's going on? Today, we're breaking down exactly why improving your catch doesn't always translate into speed… and what you need to do to actually get the benefit from it. Because recently, I worked with a swimmer who had done everything right. He sent in underwater footage, we reviewed it closely, and his catch position? Nearly perfect. From the setup… to the moment he begins to press back and generate propulsion — everything was there. And yet, his times hadn't improved. When we dug deeper into the footage, we found the real issue — something subtle, but incredibly common. He was rushing into the catch. And that one mistake was costing him speed. Let's break it down.
Transcribe →#421 : How This Swimmer Got Faster, Without Working Harder with Brenton Ford
Apr 700:04:09Tap to summarizeIf you feel like getting faster in the water means you just have to work harder… push more… suffer more… there's a good chance you're taking the wrong approach. Because here's what most swimmers think: if you're stuck swimming 1:45 or 1:50 per 100 freestyle, and you're aiming for 1:30… the only way to get there is by getting fitter, stronger, and grinding harder every single session. But what if that's not true? What if the real reason you're not getting faster isn't about effort at all… but about how you're swimming? Today, we're breaking down the biggest misconception holding swimmers back—and how shifting your approach can unlock speed without burning yourself out. 00:27 Do You Need To Get Fitter To Get Faster? Tendency To Cross Over The Center Line 01:57 Out Of Timing 02:21 Front Quadrant
Transcribe →#420 : The Real Reason You Are Out Of Breathe with Brenton Ford
Mar 1600:05:14Tap to summarizeNo description available
Transcribe →#419 : Only 6 Swimmers In History Have Done This with Sam Short
Mar 900:09:43Tap to summarizeSo what does he do that 99.999% of swimmers don't? How is he able to swim this fast? I've spent my career analyzing the best swimmers in the world, but watching Sam swim up close is a completely different experience. I've never seen anyone hold as much water as he does, even at world-record pace. What stands out the most isn't just the speed. It's the relaxation. His recovery looks effortless, and the way he reaches forward into the catch is incredibly fluid—almost calm—despite the intensity of the pace he's holding. When Sam shared some of his training with me, one thing surprised me. He's consistently swimming up to 80 kilometers a week. Massive volume. Huge power in the stroke. But when you ask him what really matters, he often comes back to the basics—simple things like rock-solid head position and clean fundamentals. If you're a triathlete or an open water swimmer, Sam's power stroke isn't just impressive to watch. It's actually a blueprint for efficiency. So today, we're breaking it all down—the sets, the technique, and the mindset around recovery that helped take him to the very top of the sport. 01:27 Sam Short Intro 01:30 How Do You Describe Your Stroke When You Race? 01:47 Developed Overtime? 2:00 Mobility And Flexibility 02:20 What Does Swimming Fell Like When You Are Swimming Well? 02:39 Any Particular Part Of Your Stroke That You Are Working On? 02:53 400 Free v.s. 10k Openwater Swim 03:12 Kicking Sets 03:28 Cues And Phrases 03:45 Stroke Rates 04:03 Head And Body Position 04:43 When Body Position Is Not Where It Should Be 05:06 Good Feel For The Water 05:28 Breathing Pattern 05:54 Rotation 06:19 Openwater 06:47 Favorite Sets 07:26 Hardest Set 07:50 Distance per Week 08:10 Taper 08:28 Sessions Per Week And Gym 08:48 Being A Smarter Athlete
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