What Does Drill Mean in a Swim Workout?

In a swim workout, drill means a technique exercise that focuses on one part of your stroke. You practise a specific movement, usually more slowly, then carry that focus into regular swimming.

How is drill different from swim, kick, pull or scull?

Drill names a technique purpose; kick, pull and scull describe movements that can also be used for technique work. A main set describes a workout block, so it can contain drills too.

For the surrounding notation, see how to read a swim workout. Read the stroke, distance and rest alongside the word drill; none of those disappears when the focus is technique.

What does 25 drill/25 swim look like in a set?

The first 25 is the drill; the next 25 is full-stroke swimming. In a 25-metre pool that is one length of each, making 50 metres. Use yards instead when the plan is written in yards.

Example: 25 drill / 25 swim technique block

Transfer one technique cue into full-stroke swimming · 200m total

  1. 4 × Drill then swim — Rest 20s between rounds
    1. 25m Familiar freestyle drill — TU · Use a drill you already understand; focus on one movement.
    2. 25m Full-stroke freestyle — TU · Swim easily and keep the same technique cue; no pause at the halfway wall.

This illustrative block totals 200 metres: four rounds of 50, including 100 metres of drill. Rest 20 seconds between rounds, not between the drill and swim lengths. This rest is an example prescription, not part of the definition. In a 50-metre pool, ask how the halfway change should work rather than assuming 25 means a full length.

How do you choose a drill when none is named?

Start with the movement you are trying to improve. USMS recommends slowing down, focusing on one thing and checking with a coach whether the drill is achieving its purpose.

USMS distinguishes choice, where you pick the stroke, from stroke, which typically excludes freestyle. Local usage can differ; for the broader instruction see what choice means in a swim workout .

Where do drills fit, and should you chase pace?

Drills can fit into warm-ups, cool-downs or a dedicated technique block. USMS emphasises deliberate practice and returning to the full stroke, rather than rushing through the exercise or switching off mentally.

A useful drill has one clear focus that you can carry into your next full-stroke length.

For a short session, protect that purpose instead of speeding up the drill to squeeze in more distance. Use a simpler familiar drill or agree a shorter block if needed. A beginner swim session gives context for where technique work sits beside the rest of a workout.

How should you log or adapt drill repeats?

Record the distance you actually completed against the planned distance, including the drill lengths. Add the drill name and cue when useful. These are practical logging suggestions: a slower drill split is not evidence that your normal swim pace has worsened.

Use the AquaPlan workout builder to edit the example block with its drill and swim steps kept separate. Keep the cue in the step notes so the written plan still explains what to practise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does drill mean swim slowly?
A drill means practise one part of your stroke. Slowing down usually helps you focus, but swimming slowly without a specific technique goal is not enough. Know which movement you are practising.
What does 25 drill/25 swim mean?
Do the drill for 25 yards or metres, then swim the full stroke for the next 25 in the same unit. Together they make 50. Carry the drill’s focus into the swimming portion.
Do drill lengths count toward workout distance?
Yes. Include the distance actually completed, including drill lengths. Keep the drill label or a note so that its slower pace is not mistaken for a full-stroke pace benchmark.

Sources and editorial process

Sources checked October 18, 2026: the USMS glossary, drill guidance and adult training guide. The example block and logging suggestions are AquaPlan editorial illustrations, not a prescribed USMS workout.

Limitations: a written definition cannot identify your technique needs or confirm that you are performing a drill correctly; ask a coach for individual feedback.

Automated editorial check (daily-ai-v1): this article was authored using AI and checked through an automated editorial process. No human expert review is claimed.

Article publisher

Published and maintained by AquaPlan. The article above identifies its evidence sources and automated editorial process; no human expert review is claimed.