The Ten Myths of Swimming

The dictionary says:

myth  (noun)

• 1. a traditional story of unknown authorship, ostensibly with a historical basis, but serving usually to explain some phenomenon of nature, the origin of man, or the customs, institutions, religious rites, etc. of a people: myths usually involve the exploits of gods and heroes
• 2. such stories collectively; mythology
• 3. any fictitious story, or unscientific account, theory, belief, etc.
• 4. any imaginary person or thing spoken of as though existing

There’s the Yeti.

There’s the Sasquatch.

There’s the shopping cart with four good wheels.

There’s  the low fat, great tasting chocolate cake.

And there’s these ten myths of swimming.

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The Top Ten Technique Tips for Every swimmer

1. Effective propulsive movements are SLOW to FAST

In swimming, effective propulsive movements are SLOW to FAST.

In Fly, you reach long, feel the water, catch then accelerate through the stroke to recovery. Same in back. Same in breast (arms and legs). Same in free.

It starts with an effective feel on entry and a strong catch then…..throughout the stroke it is acceleration that makes all the difference.

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Welcome to THE Swimming Site.

Hi – Welcome to THE Swimming Site.

We say THE Swimming Site because we have one simple aim – to be THE number one Swimming site in the world.

The Swimming Site will be the SOSS – Swimming One Stop Shop – for everything you ever wanted to know about swimming including:

• Swimming Coaching tips
• Swimming Injury minimisation and management
• Swimming and Competing - swim meets, pacing, motivation, performance skills.
• Swimming Technique and skills tips
• Swimming Training program ideas and information – training sets, training tips, peaking, tapering.
• Swimming Science – testing, analysis.
• Swimming Testing

THE Swimming Site – make it YOUR Swimming Site.

The Top Ten Technique Tips for Every Swimmer

1. Effective propulsive movements are slow to fast

In swimming, effective propulsive movements are slow to fast.

In Fly, you reach long, feel the water, catch then accelerate through the stroke to recovery. Same in back. Same in breast (arms and legs). Same in free.

It starts with an effective feel on entry and a strong catch then…..throughout the stroke it is acceleration that makes all the difference. 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.

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Swimming and School: Making it Cool

You know the drill.

Alarm goes off at 5 am. You get up. You eat. You go to the pool. You swim.

You got to school all day then…

You eat. You go to the pool. You swim.
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High Performance Nutrition for Swim Meets, Competitions and Carnivals

Swim-Eats (Swim-Meets): A Guide for Swimmers, Coaches, Parents and Clubs

Nutrition is an important area of successful sports performance in any sport.

Swimmers need to eat nutritious foods to compete and train to the best of their ability. Coaches need to ensure that swimmers are eating well and re-hydrating to complement their training program. Parents want to help their kids achieve their goals and are keen to support them in every possible way.

Swim Clubs and swimming organisations, selling food and drink at Swim Meets need to ensure that a variety of highly nutritious healthy options that can still generate income and raise funds are available to the swimmers.

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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.

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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.

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