Tri Swim Coach Podcast

Dominic Latella

Whether you're barely surviving your first triathlon swim or trying to shave seconds off your Ironman split, this podcast's got something for you. It's training tips, real talk, and occasional chaos—all from Tri Swim Coach and a bunch of folks who've actually done the damn thing, including pros and long-time coaches. You'll hear stories, advice, some laughs, and maybe even figure out how to swim faster without feeling like you're drowning in regret. Hosted by Kevin Koskella, a dude who's been in the swim game for over 27 years and still has all his hair—this is your spot if you're trying to level up and not get smoked in open water. Jump in.

  1. 1d ago

    Bent Arm or Straight Arm? You're Asking the Wrong Question - #174

    "A bent-arm recovery is safer because it puts less stress on the shoulder." It sounds biomechanically convincing. But does a shorter lever automatically make it a better freestyle recovery? In this solo episode, I use a recent DM about "high elbow recovery" to break down why one true biomechanical observation doesn't necessarily lead to one correct swimming technique. A bent arm does reduce rotational inertia. But a straighter recovery creates a longer lever with more angular momentum, and that recovering arm is not operating by itself. It is connected to the scapula, rib cage, pelvis, opposite arm, and the rotational rhythm of the entire stroke. The better question isn't whether your recovery should be bent or straight. It's whether your recovery works with the rest of your stroke. In this episode: Why I don't love the term "high elbow recovery" Bent-arm versus straight-arm recovery What rotational inertia actually means for a swimmer Why lower rotational inertia isn't automatically better How the recovery arm can contribute to the rotational rhythm of freestyle Why the recovering hand shouldn't race toward the front of the stroke What throwing a baseball can teach us about connected movement Why "spearing" the hand into the water can disrupt timing How to decide what type of recovery works best for your stroke The recovery should be an extension of the rhythm of your stroke, not a pose you're trying to hit every time your arm comes out of the water. Instead of asking whether your elbow should be bent or straight, ask: Does my recovery feel connected to the rest of my stroke? SUPPORT THE PODCAST If the podcast helped you think differently about your swimming, you can support future episodes by sharing the show, leaving a review, or buying me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/coachlatella SWIM TRAINING AND RESOURCES Breathe Better, Race Stronger: https://triswimcoach.com/tri-swim-breathing Tri Swim Success Program: https://triswimcoach.com/tri-swim-program4 SwimBox: https://www.theswimbox.com CONNECT WITH TRI SWIM COACH Newsletter: https://sendfox.com/triswimcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trisw

  2. Aug 24

    STOP COPYING SWIM STROKES: LEARN TO DIAGNOSE YOUR OWN - #173

    "Fix these three things and you'll swim 1:45 per 100." It sounds simple but swimming technique doesn't work like a recipe. In this solo episode, I break down why one-size-fits-all swim advice can create the wrong expectations and send athletes chasing changes they don't actually need. A technique cue that helps one swimmer may be completely irrelevant or even counterproductive for another. The goal isn't to collect as many "correct looking" movements as possible. It's to identify what is limiting your swimming right now, make a purposeful change, and see whether it genuinely improves your stroke. In this episode: Why a target pace is an outcome, not a stroke technique The important difference between a correction and a diagnosis Why copying several coaches can turn your stroke into a "collage" How to decide whether online swim advice applies to you What to notice when testing a technique change Why swimmers can reach the same pace using very different strokes The first place to look when you want to swim faster: reducing drag Before copying the next technique video you see, ask one question: What problem is this supposed to solve—and is it actually my problem? SUPPORT THE PODCAST If the podcast helped you think differently about your swimming, you can support future episodes by sharing the show, leaving a review, or buying me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/coachlatella SWIM TRAINING AND RESOURCES Breathe Better, Race Stronger: https://triswimcoach.com/tri-swim-breathing Tri Swim Success Program: https://triswimcoach.com/tri-swim-program4 SwimBox: https://www.theswimbox.com CONNECT WITH TRI SWIM COACH Newsletter: https://sendfox.com/triswimcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trisw

  3. 06/16/2025

    Swim Like You Mean It: A No-BS Talk with Greg Harper

    On today's episode, I sit down with Greg Harper: D1 swimmer turned pro triathlete, two-time Ironman 70.3 World Championship qualifier, and swim coach who isn't afraid to challenge coaching norms. We dig into why "gliding" is killing your swim, how ditching your smartwatch might actually help your performance, and the real link between breath control and open-water speed. Plus, Greg shares what burnout taught him about lifelong athlete development and how stroke rate beats ego every time. Connect with Greg Harper on Instagram: @gharpzorz  ================================================================== *If the podcast helped you think differently about your swimming, you can leave a tip here: buymeacoffee.com/coachlatella   SUPPORT OUR STUFF 🫁 Breathe Better, Race Stronger Take the Freestyle Breathing Course: 👉 triswimcoach.com/tri-swim-breathing 🥇 Tri Swim Success Program Go from "I hate swimming" to "I get it now": 👉 triswimcoach.com/tri-swim-program4 ================================================================== Sponsor: 🏊‍♂️ Big thanks to SwimBox — where your swimming gets better and no one judges your recovery. 👉 https://www.theswimbox.com ====================================================================== YouTube: https://youtu.be/2odTqepF5Zg TSC Newsletter: https://sendfox.com/triswimcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triswimcoach/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/triswimcoach

  4. 05/26/2025

    Let's Talk About the Feather: Yeah, That's a Real Thing

    Most swimmers finish their stroke like they're just trying to get their arm out of the way—not like they're trying to move forward. In this solo episode, I'm diving into a concept almost nobody talks about in freestyle: the feather. The feather is that subtle but crucial outward motion at the end of your stroke that sets up a smooth recovery and gives you just a little extra propulsion, without blowing up your shoulder. It's not just for elites. It's not complicated. But it does take intention. 🎥 Want to see what I'm talking about? Watch the demo drills here: https://youtu.be/fsbDieIl4x4 Progression Step 1: https://youtu.be/rdnpk8SpKOA Progression Step 2: https://youtu.be/lGlMkb-GhdE *If the podcast helped you think differently about your swimming, you can leave a tip here: buymeacoffee.com/coachlatella 📩 Got questions, pushback, or just wanna nerd out about stroke mechanics? Email me: dominic@triswimcoach.com  If this episode helped, share it with a training buddy or coach and drop a review so more swimmers can find it. ================================================================== Sponsor: 🏊‍♂️ Big thanks to SwimBox — where your swimming gets better and no one judges your recovery. 👉 https://www.theswimbox.com   YouTube: https://youtu.be/2odTqepF5Zg TSC Newsletter: https://sendfox.com/triswimcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triswimcoach/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/triswimcoach TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@triswimcoach?_t=ZP-8vfKANQ964N&_r=1 ======================================================================= SUPPORT OUR STUFF 🫁 Breathe Better, Race Stronger Take the Freestyle Breathing Course: 👉 triswimcoach.com/tri-swim-breathing 🥇 Tri Swim Success Program Go from "I hate swimming" to "I get it now": 👉 triswimcoach.com/tri-swim-program4

  5. 05/19/2025

    Finding Your Place in the Water

    In this episode of the Tri Swim Coach Podcast, we dive into what it means to make swimming more than just another workout—it's a lifestyle. We talk about the unique quirks of swim coaches (like why we all dress like we just got off a boat), how swimming can be a form of therapy, and why getting in the water isn't just good for your body—it's good for your mind. We also break down how to fit swimming into your weekly routine without turning your life upside down. Whether you're swimming for fitness, recovery, or just to clear your head, this episode is for you. 🎙️ Subscribe, rate, and share the podcast if you're loving the content. Hit play, jump in, and let's make swimming a lifestyle. ======================================================================= *If the podcast helped you think differently about your swimming, you can leave a tip here: buymeacoffee.com/coachlatella Sponsor: 🏊‍♂️ Big thanks to SwimBox — where your swimming gets better and no one judges your recovery. 👉 https://www.theswimbox.com   YouTube: https://youtu.be/2odTqepF5Zg TSC Newsletter: https://sendfox.com/triswimcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triswimcoach/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/triswimcoach TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@triswimcoach?_t=ZP-8vfKANQ964N&_r=1   SUPPORT OUR STUFF 🫁 Breathe Better, Race Stronger Take the Freestyle Breathing Course: 👉 triswimcoach.com/tri-swim-breathing 🥇 Tri Swim Success Program Go from "I hate swimming" to "I get it now": 👉 triswimcoach.com/tri-swim-program4

  6. 04/28/2025

    Rethinking The Freestyle Recovery - #166

    In this episode, we're diving into one of the most misunderstood pieces of freestyle: the recovery. You've probably been told you need a "high elbow." Maybe you've spent way too much time trying to make your recovery look pretty instead of making it functional. We're blowing all of that up today. I'll walk you through why the way you bring your arm forward absolutely matters, why mimicking fast swimmers can actually slow you down, and why your shoulder blade — not your elbow — should be driving the whole show. We're talking recovery types (straight arm vs relaxed), the problem with "front quadrant" freestyle, the real reason fingertip drag drills can backfire, and how your recovery sets the stage for everything that happens next. Swimming isn't about looking good. It's about moving well. Let's rethink your recovery and make freestyle way easier — and way faster. YouTube: https://youtu.be/2odTqepF5Zg TSC Newsletter: https://sendfox.com/triswimcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triswimcoach/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/triswimcoach TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@triswimcoach?_t=ZP-8vfKANQ964N&_r=1 ================================================================== SUPPORT OUR STUFF 🫁 Breathe Better, Race Stronger Take the Freestyle Breathing Course: 👉 triswimcoach.com/tri-swim-breathing 🥇 Tri Swim Success Program Go from "I hate swimming" to "I get it now": 👉 triswimcoach.com/tri-swim-program4 ======================================================================= Sponsor: 🏊‍♂️ Big thanks to SwimBox — where your swimming gets better and no one judges your recovery. 👉 https://www.theswimbox.com

About

Whether you're barely surviving your first triathlon swim or trying to shave seconds off your Ironman split, this podcast's got something for you. It's training tips, real talk, and occasional chaos—all from Tri Swim Coach and a bunch of folks who've actually done the damn thing, including pros and long-time coaches. You'll hear stories, advice, some laughs, and maybe even figure out how to swim faster without feeling like you're drowning in regret. Hosted by Kevin Koskella, a dude who's been in the swim game for over 27 years and still has all his hair—this is your spot if you're trying to level up and not get smoked in open water. Jump in.