I have been swimming for pleasure and exercise since I was a kid, but working with my Equinox swim coach Hannah, I am learning the devil is in the details. And those details extend all the way down to your fingertips. Swimming is really technical: along with breaking down my freestyle stroke, from my breathing to my head placement, I have been working on my hands. Here are a few tips Hannah has taught me that I wanted to share with you.

• With your elbow high, you fingers enter the water like your hand is diving into a mail slot as you reach out and long.
• Put pressure in your fingertips as you begin to catch the water as soon as you begin to pull.
• Your fingers should be neither spread apart or clamped shut. Think of your fingers as being straight yet relaxed.