Swimming in a straight line in open water can be a challenge, but this can help: Point your fingertips toward the destination. First, sight the buoy or landmark and adjust your body in the correct direction. When you return to swimming face down, stretch your fingertips forward at the top of each stroke. Imagine pointing them straight toward your destination each time your arms enter the water. This imagery can help you maintain a straight line.

This tip also improves freestyle technique in the pool. When each arm enters the water, stretch it straight forward, toward the opposite wall. This reach will encourage a small rotation of the upper torso to extend the fingertips as far as possible. The key is to extend forward from the shoulder and not cross in front of your head and body.