Typically, these young swimmers can use surgical tubing or merely lift their body weight for dryland drills. Several drills have been included that provide examples of training methods for swimming. The use of a swim bench, surgical tubing, free weights or hand paddles can easily be incorported into swim training. The phase of training during the season is also another important consideration. The development of strength is only one part of the puzzle to enhance performance.
Many people believe that power or endurance play as significant a role in swimming performance.
Research has indicated that moving through water is a combination of the reduction of drag and the increase in muscular power. The optimal combination of these two factors integrates economic technique with efficient muscular contractions. Swimming performance can be enhanced by focusing on muscular endurance and power in swimming specific movements. One method to enhance this is to work in the water with tubing as well as on land with swim bench training. Coaches and scientists will debate the benefits of strength training in swimmers for many years to come.