25 Years of Swimming Knowledge In 28 Minutes

Summary

In this video, a swimming coach shares insights from 25 years of experience, emphasizing the balance between tension and relaxation in strokes. The importance of reality versus perception in swimming is highlighted, urging swimmers to use video analysis for improvement. The video stresses that there's no one-size-fits-all stroke, and efficiency comes from finding a personalized style. It also discusses the role of technique over brute force, the importance of a consistent training routine, and the significance of training for specific events. The coach advises against chasing speed and to focus on long-term development, advocating for a patient approach to mastering swimming techniques.

Takeaways

• 🏊 Finding the balance between tension and relaxation is crucial for efficient swimming.
• 📹 Reality versus perception is significant in swimming; underwater filming can help swimmers see and correct their stroke.
• 👀 There's no one-size-fits-all stroke; it's about finding the optimal style that suits an individual's body type and abilities.
• 💪 Effort doesn't always equate to speed; technique must be in place for increased effort to result in faster swimming.
• 🦵 The kick in swimming is meant to support, not primarily propel; overkicking can lead to quick fatigue.
• 🤔 Adults tend to overthink their stroke; finding a balance between thinking and feeling the water is key.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Strength and mobility training can significantly impact swimming performance, especially as we age.
• 📉 Consistency is key in swimming improvement; more frequent sessions lead to better progress.
• 🏖️ Open water swimming requires different skills and adaptations compared to pool swimming.
• 📱 Sometimes it's beneficial to swim without a watch or technology to tune into the feel of the water and one's own movement.

Q & A

What is the key balance swimmers need to find according to the coach's experience?

Swimmers need to find the optimum balance between tension and relaxation in their strokes to be efficient and not waste effort.

Why is it important for swimmers to watch videos of their own swimming?

Watching videos helps swimmers identify the disconnect between what they think they're doing and their actual technique, which is crucial for making improvements.

What does the coach suggest about the existence of a 'perfect stroke' for all swimmers?

There is no one perfect stroke for every swimmer; it varies based on individual factors like height, armspan, experience, and the specific event they are training for.

How does the coach relate the concept of effort to speed in swimming?

The coach emphasizes that more effort does not necessarily correlate to more speed in swimming, especially if the technique is not correct.

What role does the kick play in swimming, as per the coach's explanation?

The kick is meant to support and balance the swimmer, not necessarily to propel them forward. Over-reliance on the kick can lead to quick fatigue.

Why does the coach recommend adults to 'feel' rather than 'think' while swimming?

Adults tend to overthink their strokes, whereas feeling the water and the movement can help them improve their technique and connection with the water.

What is the coach's advice on the frequency of swimming sessions for improvement?

Consistency is key; the coach suggests at least three sessions a week for noticeable improvements, as opposed to just one or two sessions.

How should swimmers structure their training sessions according to the coach?

Swimmers should structure their sessions with a warm-up, main set with varied intervals and paces, and a cool-down, rather than swimming at a constant pace for long distances.

What does the coach think about the use of swimming aids like pull buoys and buoyancy shorts?

While initially against them, the coach now sees these aids as beneficial for enjoyment and training specificity, especially for triathletes who will use wetsuits in races.

What approach should swimmers take when looking to improve their stroke, as suggested by the coach?

Swimmers should take a long-term approach, focusing on technique and consistency rather than chasing quick results, and be patient with their progress.

How does the coach relate on-land strength and mobility to swimming performance?

The coach believes that if a swimmer can't perform a movement out of the water, they won't be able to do it in the water, highlighting the importance of strength and mobility training.