Staying fit is important and benefits your swim power but doing the same exercises over and over can get boring. If you only do one form of exercise then your body becomes accustomed to that exercise. When the body becomes so used to performing one type of movement or exercise it sort of stops responding to it or making any real progress from it. That's why I've started adding some variety to my workouts. Let me explain why it's essential and how it's making a difference.
Where does most power come from when swimming? Although swimming is an all over body workout, from a technique standpoint 'swimming with power' involves using the major muscles in your shoulders, chest, back and core. These muscles are considered some of the strongest in the body, especially for swimmers, so train and work them so you can generate more power. Use on land training workouts to build strength, power, mobility and flexibility... it will pay off BIG time in the water!
You are your training partner
Think of your body as a training partner. It follows your lead. So, if you want to get better at swimming, you need to guide it in the right direction. By trying new things, adding variety to your swim training and staying consistent, you'll start seeing improvements. It's all about challenging yourself, embracing change and watching your swimming skills improve. In a nutshell, to become a better swimmer, mix things up. Challenge yourself, try different paces and different exercises. You've got this!
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Ultimately, the last bits of improvement don't come from the coach but from the swimmer's internal motivation, calmness and confidence, nurtured by the coaching environment. In essence, the most important element of swim coaching is the holistic development of swimmers physically, mentally and emotionally. Coaches play a pivotal role in shaping not only their swimming skills but also their character, self-esteem and overall well-being. GoodSwim aims to provide the following:
Individualised Approach Recognising that each swimmer has unique abilities, goals, and challenges. Tailoring coaching methods to meet the specific needs of each swimmer ensures optimal growth and progress. Importance of Technique Emphasising proper technique over speed, helping swimmers master fundamental skills, strokes, turns, and starts. A strong foundation in technique contributes to long-term success. Motivation and Confidence Instilling motivation and self-confidence in swimmers by celebrating their achievements, no matter how small and helping them set and achieve meaningful goals. Positive Communication Maintaining effective and positive communication to provide clear instructions, constructive feedback and encouragement that fosters trust and a positive learning environment. Adaptability Adjusting coaching methods as swimmers progress, ensuring that training plans remain relevant and challenging as skills improve. A Lifelong Love for Swimming :) We all have different body types and lengths, different levels of flexibility and mobility and different levels of strength and power. But we all have the same goal… swim fast but efficiently. So what is the quickest way to move forward through water? To move forward, we have to move a lot of water backward, simple! So, if we create a big paddle area and pull it straight back, then that means more water gets pushed backwards, so you move forwards. There’s no side to side movement, no sweeping under the body, no lazy elbows. Are your hands and arms sliding through the water without much effect, not engaging the water with the correct movement to feel the resistance of the water against your hand and forearm (your big paddle)? The first element of your catch is not actually your hand… the first thing is your elbow pushes slightly out to the side to allow your hand and forearm to push down on the water, keeping the elbow high to get the vertical forearm position. From here you can feel the resistance as you push back down the side of the body, your lats should start to activate and increase the power. Also, by holding the front recovery arm in place until the stroking arm is just about to enter the water provides constant momentum and helps with stability at the start of your catch phase. Your leading arm should only pull down as the other one comes over your shoulder to enter the water. Basics:
The key to swimming efficiently is to make the water work with you. By fine tuning your technique, being relaxed, getting your body position right and reducing resistance you will go faster.
For more tips on improving your swim technique contact me and book in for a stroke correction session. |
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