How to Use a Swimming Pull Buoy

A pull buoy is a foam flotation device that is placed between a swimmer's legs to provide support while practicing different strokes. It is used to elevate the legs and properly position the body in the water. Pull buoys allow swimmers to focus on their arm movements and build upper body strength. The pull buoy should be positioned between the upper thighs, near the crotch, for proper body alignment.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Get in the water. Keep the pull buoy on the side of the pool or in your hand until you are already in the water and ready to swim.
2. Push the pull buoy under the water.
3. Place the pull buoy between your thighs. A solid foam pull buoy just slides between your thighs. If you are using an adjustable two piece pull buoy, you may need to remove the pull buoy to adjust the nylon straps if the foam pieces are too close or too far apart.
4. Cross your ankles and allow the pull buoy to raise your legs up to the top of the water.
5. Begin pulling with your arms.

Tips & Warnings

• You should adjust your goggles and be ready to start swimming before putting the pull buoy between your thighs. Once your legs float to the top of the water it becomes much more difficult to make goggle and swim cap adjustments.
• Crossing your ankles is a good way to keep the pull buoy from accidentally popping out from between your thighs.
• You can use pull buoys to help you float on your stomach to practice freestyle, breaststroke or butterfly pulls. You can also use pull buoys to help you float on your back to practice backstroke pulls.