Training elite swimmers is the domain of elite coaches who guide the progression of skills and fitness to peak at the next event. However, there are certain skills that all elite swimmers need to master - the more they can fine tune those skills the better chance they will have of swimming to their potential on race day.

Swimmers need to be able to predict how they will perform in competition and a crucial aspect of their race plan is their stroke rate. To be able to race at a given stroke rate they need to train at that rate.

Training at specified stroke rates can also assist in targeting the energy systems that are used in training. In particular it provides more certainty that the swimmer is using the correct energy system for the duration of the set that the coach has carefully designed, and hasn't been drifting in and out of the zone of interest. If the swimmer maintains the stroke rate and stroke count for each lap they will have a steady energy requirement.

The Wetronome provides the steady stroke rate signal. The swimmer can count strokes (and will recognise the cues during a lap to ensure they are on target throughout each one). The coach sets the targets. Use of the Wetronome allows both coach and swimmer to be confident that each training set is being swum as it was designed.

Even drills can be made more specific by swimming them at the correct rate. No need to be shouting "this time swim a bit faster" or "same again but a bit slower".

As used by members of the Australian Olympic swim team.

Wetronome Tips for Elite Swimmers

• Listen to your coach.
• "Make it happen in training then let it happen in the race."