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.

Speed Development In Swimmers

Total Condition Training

Introduction

Competitive swimming is all about swimming fast, and speed, in conjunction with technique, forms the most precious element of a swimmer’s make-up. Coaches are, after all, dedicated to one task: preparing swimmers to swim their event as fast as possible.

While some swimmers possess a greater degree of natural speed than others, it is clear that a well planned training program should improve swimming speed and competitive performance of all swimmers.

This article examines three approaches to the development of speed in all swimmers and outlines their coaching and scientific rationale. We then introduce the concept of total condition training, which has the aim of maximising both speed and endurance. Several features of this model are discussed in detail and relevant suggestions on developing speed in swimmers are presented.

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Time Management for Swimming Success

Don’t Plan to Fail by Failing to Plan

Swimming successfully is as much about time management as it is about training hard. Fitting in training, schoolwork, rest and recovery and having some time to yourself is a difficult juggling act even for the most committed and dedicated athlete.

One of the toughest things to do when managing your week is to schedule time to do nothing. For most athletes doing nothing is just as demanding as doing the hard training in the pool and gym.
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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. Read the rest of this entry »

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.

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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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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 »

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”.

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