since you don’t get extra points for looking pretty.  Make sure your stroke is efficient below the water as well as “pretty” on top.  One way to do this is to count your strokes per lap. Fewer strokes generally mean lower energy expenditure.  Next, try to go faster while maintaining the same number of strokes.  Let’s say your pretty stroke means you take 35 strokes per 50 yard swim, but it takes you 35 seconds.  Try to maintain the same 35 strokes and drop your time to 33 seconds.  How? Think about applying more pressure with your hands to pull harder or focus on kicking harder, especially when you push-off.  You want to be both efficient and fast. ~ Sue Anderson, USA Swimming’s director of field services and former record holder in the 200m butterfly.