Testing the Waters: Swimming Tests Part Two

In part one of this article we discussed the basic principles of testing and looked at an example of a test records sheet.

In part two we look at three great swimming tests designed to help you measure your improvement in Speed, Speed-Endurance, and Endurance.

Read the rest of this entry »

Testing the Waters: Swimming Tests Part One

Most swimmers want to know the answer to four basic questions:

1. Am I getting fitter?
2. Am I getting faster?
3. Is my technique improving?
4. Will I be able to race well at my next competition?

The best way to answer all these questions is, of course, by “racing”!

Competition results and meet performances give you valuable information on how your program is going and how much you are improving.

Read the rest of this entry »

Peaking and Tapering Strategies: Getting it Right the First Time

There’s Harry Potter; there’s Star Wars; there’s Disneyland.

And there’s one other magical and mysterious experience: peaking and tapering swimmers.

But what is peaking and tapering?

Read the rest of this entry »

The Mental side of the Lane: Essential Mental Skills for Swimming

Swimming fast is based on four key performance elements:

• Physical: Fitness, speed, endurance, strength, power etc
• Technical: Technique, skills, dives, starts, turns and finishes
• Tactical: Pacing, strategies, racing skills
• Mental: Relaxation, self belief, attitude, focus etc.

Read the rest of this entry »

Success is a Choice: Make it Yours

Choose to be a Champion

Somewhere in the world today, the Beijing Olympic champion in your event got out of bed.

They were given the same 24 hours you were given. They saw the same sun and same sky you saw. But for some reason, they decided to choose to use today to prepare better than anyone else in the world in their (your) event.

My question is, why wasn’t it you who made that choice?
Read the rest of this entry »

Staying Motivated and Focused

(or keeping your eyes on the  prize)

The great Austrian philosopher, Arnold Schwarzenegger, is reputed to have said, “Success comes from staying in close contact with your goals”.

Every swimmer has goals or dreams. For some the dream is finishing their first event. For others it’s an Olympic Gold. The challenge is turning dreams into reality. Read the rest of this entry »

Motivation: 50 Tips to find the fire!

50 great tips to help you get motivated and stay motivated.

Read the rest of this entry »

Speed Reserve for Middle and Long Distance Swimmers

The Importance of Speed for Middle  and Long Distance Swimmers

The eternal coaching question – how much speed is necessary for endurance athletes?

At the present time in world swimming there are many opportunities for swimmers who are capable of sustaining fast speeds over middle and long distance races. Particularly in woman’s swimming where World and Australian Records have stood for many years, the ability to be fast over 400, 800 and 1500 metres presents a great opportunity for the female swimmer prepared to do a little work and focus on these events.

Read the rest of this entry »

Making a Success of Your First National Championships:How to Win One the First Time Around

“Being tough has nothing to do with it – you are either trained or untrained”- Actor Denzel Washington in “Man on Fire”

There is conventional wisdom surrounding competing successfully at any major championship which says, “In order to win one, you first have to lose one”.

Read the rest of this entry »

Six Steps to Swimming Greatness

Successful swimming is a combination of several factors: Fitness, speed, strength, technique, motivation, skills, good nutrition, positive attitude, self confidence and flexibility, are all important to swim fast.

However, there are six specific factors that have been identified as being essential for peak swimming performance.

Read the rest of this entry »