Either cover a distance faster or with less energy. Then there is the "I want it all" swimmer. They want to go faster and use less energy; that could happen, too.
What is involved with either part of this?
Maximizing forward speed.
How to do that? By reducing things that limit forward speed and increasing things that promote forward speed.
What limits forward speed?
- Technique
- Drag
- Walls
What promotes forward speed?
- Technique
- Power
- Walls
Hmmm - those two lists aren't that much different. What does each thing do to (or for) a swimmer?
Technique Good technique helps a swimmer minimize drag caused by the action of swimming. It also maximizes the amount of force that the swimmer transfers from their body to the water to propel themselves forward. Bad technique has the opposite effect, increasing drag and decreasing efficiency.
Drag Seems like everyone hears that minimizing drag is easier than maximizing power. It is easier to slip through the water than it is to overpower the water. Doubling speed quadruples drag. So do all you can to minimize drag. Appropriate body roll, good body alignment, and properly fitting swimsuits all help.
Power It takes some strength to swim. Just having perfect technique doesn't make a swimmer fast. They might be efficient, but probably not fast. Swimmers need to develop strength so they can apply force to the water, using their good technique, moving them forward.
Walls If you have to turn around because you arrive at a wall, that means you have stopped moving forward (not all bad - could be a chance for you to get some extra air) A wall also could be a chance to get turned around and re-build your speed in the opposite direction. A good push-off while you are in a streamline will get you moving faster than you can go when swimming.
Practice things that will help you increase your forward speed. That includes technique and strength.
Swim On!
