Streamlining

After learning how to balance in the water, the next main focus in total immersion is streamlining the body. Streamlining is another element of drag reduction that allows the swimmer to be more efficient. Static streamlining refers to positions such as "skating" in which one arm is extended forward creating a leading point and a tapered body following the arm, much like a torpedo or bullet is shaped. Active streamlining refers to maintaining the streamlined body position while the body rotates from right-side streamline to left-side streamline. Several drills in the method allow the swimmer to practice shifting from streamline to streamline until these movements feel natural. An additional benefit of the streamlined body position is to help maintain a long bodyline in the water, which may help to reduce wave drag and allow the swimmer to slip forward through the water more easily.