Louisiana State University Swimming and Diving Coach Adam D. Schmitt writes that:
Sculling is arguably one of the most underused swimming drills to increase good feel of the water and improve the initial catch and thrust of all strokes.
The hands are the key to sculling. A strong stroke starts with a strong catch in the water. To have a strong catch, or feel for the water, the hands need to be strong against the water. While you scull, take notice of how your hand is angled as well as the pitch of your hand (the downward angle). Slide only your hand back and forth in eight- to 10-inch sweeps while also tilting your hand to the appropriate angle.
Think of your hand as a canoe paddle. If you want to go sideways, you would pitch the paddle in such a way that would move you the best way possible. You will NOT go fast doing these drills correctly. This is sculling, NOT pulling! Keep your kick minimal and concentrate on propulsion just from the scull. Your hands and forearms will begin to feel the focus.
Don't scull near the surface. The surface of the pool is not where your stroke is most efficient in moving forward. Correct position feels a little awkward. It is like you are sculling over a big oil barrel, reaching around in an arch with your shoulder blades lifted up, elbows high and finger tips to the bottom of the pool.
Don't go for Speed. I mentioned before, with drills, you do not want to rush them. The point of the drill is to increase your hand strength and the feel and catch of the water.
Don't let your legs override the purpose of the drill. Don't use your kick for propulsion during sculling. Also don't allow your legs to drag down behind you. If body position is an issue, you can put a pull buoy on and let your legs float behind you staying even with the surface of the water.
Check out the video below for a helpful sculling drill.
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