Sept./Oct 2023
The Magazine For Those who Believe Swimming Faster is fun!
Competitive Swimmer
- Phelps: The new Hall of Famer!
- Better strokes, turns, starts even in world class swimmers
- Live and underwater at The Swim Team
- The 1st ISHOF Clinic with Bowman, Arckey, Schubert, Salo, etc.
- Why and how YOU should be using underwater video
- What’s right with USA Swimming!
- Did Marchand flutter the fly in the 400 I.M.?
September/october, 2023
Daily inspiration, technique, and training coming
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Competitive Swimmer Magazine
MEDIA KIT
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Steve
Friederang
Founding Publisher
Welcome to the October 2023 edition of Competitive Swimmer Magazine.
When I was in the first couple months of building Brea Aquatics in the 1970's, I scheduled a Halloween practice. Parents tried to warn me, but I didn't listen. I had one swimmer show up!
I got in the water and taught this former gymnast to do a flip turn for an hour and a half. Thirty years later we still keep in touch. She's a cop in Southern California. Don't mess with her :).
I learned from that day on to make sure to have a really compelling reason for people to swim -- not just on trick-or-treat day, but every day.
The WHY might just be that they like hanging out with a coach who wants the best for them.
I must have figured out some of it because the next year we had about 100 swimmers, each with his and her own pumpkin in the Halloween practice. We were swimming fast; having fun.
This year, among other things, I was asked by Mark Schubert, perhaps the winningest coach in history, to help mentor The Swim Team.
His humility is striking, given his reputation for explosions of passion and a lack of compromise.
Far less coaches are too full of ego or fear to bring in mentors. They might get lucky with a great swimmer or two, but I’m not the first mentor Schubert has worked with; he’s constantly learning and inquisitive -- the way all masters of anything are.
People ask why I’m working with The Swim team and the answer is simple. I was invited. So, if you wish, invite me, on Zoom, in person, come to my camps, etc. In serving I keep learning and I hope you agree the Magazine improves too!
Steve Friederang, Publisher
Steve@competiticeswimmer.com
With USA Swimming?
What's right?
Questions
What's right with USA Swimming?
L
ast issue we took issues with USA Swimming hiding the data that will, I promise, help us all know when and if we are doing our best, better this year at improvement, and better than those who would race US Swimmers.
Let’s look at some things that are great and what makes USA Swimming great.
Coaches: even before swimmers and great families, facilities, etc. the USA has amazingly creative coaches, allowed to express their yearning for mastery of their profession and to encourage swimmers to be the best of which they are capable. The best of the best are constantly learning and open to change. And there are a lot of those as I get to witness at conventions, meets, interviews, etc.
Culture: America is still the most creative culture on the planet. From cars to computers and cell phones and rockets that land, America is a fertile place to invent and grow.
This brings us to parents. There are millions of parents in America who can and choose to afford the time and finances and pools, etc. for their children.
Associations like USA Swimming, ASCA, even the NCAA inspire and encourage greatness.
History: No sport has ever dominated the World Championships and Olympics as has USA Swimming.
Proactive >
The most dominant sport in history
he US has won 253 Olympic God Medals in swimming. This, without government support or sponsored cheating.
t
Some background
Detail >
The success of USA Swimming can be traced back to its rich history, which spans over a century. USA Swimming is the national governing body for competitive swimming in the United States and has played a significant role in producing some of the world's top swimmers. Here's a brief overview of the history of its success:
- Early Development: Competitive swimming in the United States began in the late 19th century. The National Swimming Association was founded in 1879, laying the foundation for organized swimming competitions. Swimming became an Olympic sport in 1896, and American swimmers started competing on the international stage.
- Rise to Prominence: In the early 20th century, American swimmers started to gain recognition in international competitions.
- World Championships: USA Swimming has also excelled in World Championships, Pan Pacific Championships, and other international competitions. American swimmers have consistently medaled and set world records in these events.
- Grassroots Development: USA Swimming has a robust system for developing young swimmers through clubs, age-group programs, and coaching initiatives. This grassroots approach has helped identify and nurture talent from a young age.
- Collegiate Swimming: Collegiate swimming has played a vital role in the development of American swimmers. Many NCAA Division I colleges and universities have strong swim programs, and the NCAA Championships provide a platform for swimmers to compete at a high level while pursuing their education.
- Coaching Excellence: USA Swimming has produced some of the world's best swim coaches who have been instrumental in the success of American swimmers. The coaching development programs and resources provided by USA Swimming have contributed to the country's swimming prowess.
- Investment in Facilities: The United States has world-class aquatic centers and training facilities, which have attracted top talent and provided swimmers with the resources they need to excel.
- Ongoing Success: American swimmers continue to excel in international competitions, with new stars emerging in each generation. The United States consistently ranks among the top nations in swimming, both in terms of medals won and world records set.
Overall, the success of USA Swimming is a result of a combination of factors, including a rich history, talent identification and development programs, coaching excellence, and a strong tradition of competitiveness in both domestic and international swimming competitions.
I
- Swimmers like Duke Kahanamoku, who won multiple Olympic gold medals, helped raise the profile of American swimming. Kahanamoku is often considered one of the pioneers of modern competitive swimming.
- Olympic Dominance: The United States has consistently performed well in Olympic swimming competitions. American swimmers have won numerous gold medals, and the U.S. Olympic Swim Team has been a dominant force on the world stage for decades. Stars like Mark Spitz, who won seven gold medals in the 1972 Olympics, and Michael Phelps, who holds the record for the most Olympic gold medals by an individual athlete, have contributed significantly to this success.:
With USA Swimming?
What's right?
Questions
What's right with USA Swimming?
E
- arly Development: Competitive swimming in the United States began in the late 19th century. The National Swimming Association was founded in 1879, laying the foundation for organized swimming competitions. Swimming became an Olympic sport in 1896, and American swimmers started competing on the international stage.
- Rise to Prominence: In the early 20th century, American swimmers started to gain recognition in international competitions.
- World Championships: USA Swimming has also excelled in World Championships, Pan Pacific Championships, and other international competitions. American swimmers have consistently medaled and set world records in these events.
- Grassroots Development: USA Swimming has a robust system for developing young swimmers through clubs, age-group programs, and coaching initiatives. This grassroots approach has helped identify and nurture talent from a young age in increasing diveristy.
- Collegiate Swimming: Collegiate swimming has played a vital role in the development of American
Proactive >
What doesn’t need Fixing
spoke at the Canadian Elite Coaches Clinic a couple decades ago after some genius there decided even coaches who coached Olympians had to have minimum certifications or he or she coulldn’t be on the pool deck. The coaches we infuriated. The strength of USA Swimming is it’s diversity of coaching, from Dave Salo or even Peter Andrew to the Schuberts and Troys, from age group to college, many coaches disagree as to how to get the job done. Though accountability is essential, the way to improvement and talent actualization, and performing at our highest when it counts the most is as much art as science and this principle should never be “fixed”.
I
Some More background
Detail >
swimmers. Many NCAA Division I colleges and universities have strong swim programs, and the NCAA Championships provide a platform for swimmers to compete at a high level while pursuing their education.
- Coaching Excellence: USA Swimming has produced some of the world's best swim coaches who have been instrumental in the success of American swimmers. The coaching development programs and resources provided by USA Swimming have contributed to the country's swimming prowess.
- Investment in Facilities: The United States has world-class aquatic centers and training facilities, which have attracted top talent and provided swimmers with the resources they need to excel.
- Ongoing Success: American swimmers continue to excel in international
competitions, with new stars emerging
in each generation. The United States consistently ranks among the top nations in swimming, both in terms of medals won and world records set.
Overall, the success of USA Swimming is a result of a combination of factors, including a rich history, talent identification and development programs, coaching excellence, and a strong tradition of competitiveness in both domestic and international swimming competitions.
As USA Swimming looks to recover from recent setbacks at the World Championships, the country can remember other times when they indeed bounced back. Much of the success of other countries has been the open sharing of coaching, facilities, and training of swimmers who sometimes best US swimmers. This sharing is one more factor making USA Swimming great.
October 2023
Competitive Swimmer
The Magazine For Those who Believe Swimming Faster is fun!
Beneath the Surface with The Swim Team
Mark Schubert’s Olympic Preparation group in Southern California
Michael Brinegar
Will Gallant
David Johnston
Marwan El Kamash
Isaac Fleig --
Sydney Wilson --
Alex Ipsas
Dylan Porges Avila
From 15:18 at Trials to 14:59 in July; he’s on the move
Three-time Olympian is tired of being 9th!
Top 18 year old distance swimmer in America
Janet Evan’s Daughter is surging!
Austrian Olympic potential
2023 NCAA Champion Miler developing a finishing kick, earlier catch and more!
800 scm Record and top US time in 400 improving strokes for the 400 I.M.
Potential Mexican Olympian: Hammers practice; makes you laugh too!
Olympic Coach Mark Schubert has kindly invited us to help mentor his team with video, tracking, and SwimGym. His and other coaches and swimmers worldwide are showing us the way to become our best -- they are open to change, happy to be measured, and thankful. In this and coming issues, we’ll go beneath the surface, showing our efforts and results. Questions? Steve@competitiveswimmer.com
vol 40 | Oct. 2023 | $12/month
Contralateral
Steve prescribes isokinetic resistance to balance joints with Isaac . We clip the device to a backstroke pole. You can use tubing. Even tough swimmers are told to use it daily to be proactive against injury and gain leverage on the water.
Use a protractor to measure and track ankle flexibility, and 3 types of Fankles to improve plantar flexion. Then they track 400 and 100 kick times and improvement in the back half of races where legs can make a difference.
Video perfects!
Marwan has the most ideal early catch in the elite training group. He is open to improving his strokes, kicking, and turns. He enjoyed being 9th at two Olympics, but wants more!
at the elite Level
Mastery starts with a conversation
Marwan El Kadesh has already qualified for his third Olympic Games. He has been 9th twice! In this recent practice photo, he is discussing his turns with our publisher. I tell even the worst or best swimmer all we’re after is an inch (2.54 centimeters) per stroke.
We deploy video in different perspectives: Video underwater from directly beneath, from the side, from the front and from the back. Then, of course, video from the surface.
Plus, we track swimmers’ strengths and weaknesses.
The “base” of this is Mark Schubert’s time-tested plans to improve the whole spectrum of fitness (from power to endurance). He’s known for tough long training with daily head to head competition. His reputation is well earned. as you’ll see in this and coming issues.
at any Level
Mastery starts with a conversation
In this video, we compare Marwan’s turns to that of the GOAT of turns, Caeleb Dressel. Marwan El Kadesh has a unique talent for a distance swimmer of exceptional ankle flexibility(190 plus on the protractor) . He’s kicked 3x100 flutters holding 1:12, (open turns and no pulling long course with a board in case you’re comparing yours!). There are sprinters who can beat that, but not many who were ninth in the Olympic mile. Most people don’t even know their kick times. But, Marwan asked to improve his turns.
Marwan’s turns could be improved and like any world class athlete, he’s willing to listen to advice and to strive to make improvements. In this video we see some things he can improve and we hope it helps you, both in process (learning anything and reaching for mastery) and product (a better turn!). In other issues we’ll talk about what we do to measure the force and distance of turns as well as the isokinetics, etc. we prescribe to improve jumping and arm power.
Phelps!
Talking about Family First at the ISHOF Induction
Great family sentiments and great celebration of one of the best athletes ever. A very real and fun speech by swimming’s GOAT!
The International Swimming Hall of Fame also inducted Bob Bowman and Cesar Cielo among others.
coach Convention in our next issue.
Team Meetings
With Olympic Coach Mark Schubert
Former National Team Director and winner of 53 National Championships Mark Schubert talks about Team meetings at... a live unedited team meeting at The Swim Team!
Want to see more of this particular meeting we presented at the International Hall of Fame Coach’s Clinic? Have questions?
Just ask: Steve@competitiveswimmer.com.
Expert Stroke Coach
How NOT TO coach
As a Coach-Up one -on-one stroke coach I send my swimmers back to their teams, hoping they are on the path of improvement. I have been recently horrified by some of their practice videos. Here’s one. This is not the team’s lowest group!
If you’re a head coach, please watch Carle’s “warmup” on the following page and pay your staff ONLY to run professional instruction and practices.
Expert Stroke Coach
Carle Fierro
Every day warmup; using what we call Swimmunicators every practice. She's engaged with her swimmers every minute of practice.
Analysis
Does Marchand DQ during hhis world record 400 I.M.?
Steve Friederang
Synthesis
David Johnston is, at the time of this publication, four seconds from the US record in the 400 short course I.M. This is a part of our real-time effort to improve all four strokes, a comparison of David’s backstroke rhythm (and catch) to that of Ryan Murphy.
Steve Friederang
EyeSwim™ Stroke
Video
www.competitiveswimmer.com
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Daily
The Magazine For Those who Believe
Swimming Faster is fun!
coming November 1
Build aerobic capacity once you build great strokes and then reinforce those strokes while building more fitness.
Critical Velocity Video
For Subscribers to CS Magazine
Sometimes
LIVE
With Coach Steve Friederang
You in?
Steve@competitiveswimmer.com
Phelps
“What Matters Most”
Congratulations to Michael Phelps and coach Bob Bowman for being inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame. We were there and heard from the GOAT himself what matters most to him.
Phelps
“Show The World”
How to be the best --- if he hadn’t had this much talent, would this process, this education, been worth it? Yes! What you learn in swimming is so hard to learn anywhere else. If you ever go up against a (another) swimmer for a job interview, to get the attention of the love of your life, or to take care of that person when times get tough, what you learn in swimming whether your top race is as a B swimmer on the high school team or this guy, swimming with passion, setting goals, helping others and all that comes with it will teach you how to be ... extraordinarily successful and effective. This road is far more important than a medal. Win and define winning in your own terms. Thre’s only one Michael Phelps; and there is only one you. Both are equally important.
Are you a PRO subscriber?
If so, Cool Digital Swim Meet is yours for the asking. It gives points for how close you are to your best time; your place, etc. and can make a meet of anything that can be measured (push-ups) crab walks, head up fly, whatever. And it can make a close meet in about a second! So everyone's points matter on every swim. email:Steve@competitiveswimmer.com or call 800.999.0824
Coach
Mastery
- The FUN part of the equation of "swimming faster being fun" is critical to the FAST part. These are ideas from coaches who contributed to Bob Steele's Games Gimmicks Challenges for Swimming Coaches book. Thanks Bob and coaches!
- One more from Coach Steele: Bubble, Bubble, Toil and Trouble: Dump Apples in the diving well and have swimmers "Bob" for apples from under water.
Halloween Workouts
Halloween Obstacle Course Barbara Jahn
Everybody comes to practice in swimanle Halloween corstiumers! After the parade proceed to the obstacle course. Desnign the course with the swimmers each escorting a small pumpkin around the pool, keeping the pumpkin with the swimmer at all times (pumpkin is used as a baton).
Halloween Drop in the Bucket Ruch Ann Ahnen
Each lane is a team with a bucketEach lane creates a team name and cheer which is shouted before each set. Teams earn stones (Wal-Mart 1.69) which are dropped into each bucket based upon fulfilling these criteria: One stone for each team member that worked hard as a team and one more for teamwork. The winning team earns a game, relay, or prize. Coach dresses as ghost.
- Cheer loudness 2. Teamwork (staying on SO, cheering teammates, respect...) 3. Correct strokes 4. Completing each set 5. Reading the clock(knowing times)
Ice Bobbing Mary Ruffin
Swimmers bob for apples in a bucket of ice water and incorporate it into a relay in warmer weather. Swimmer swims down, bobs for an apple, and, once they get one, thyey get one swim back(can have them swim with the apple in their mouth), then the next swimmer goes.
Halloween Pumpkin Relays Terry Phifer
On Hallowwen turn down the lights so that you can still be safe and see the bottom of the pool. Divide the swimmers into relays. Eachswimmer brings a flashlight and does a kick set with a flashlight on the borad while making scary noises. They can also kick backstroke with the light out of the water. Great for ten and unders.
Halloween Special Carl Johansson
5 Tricks, hard things -- 10X100 kick, 5x200 pull, etc. ..5 treats -- eZ things 10x 25's bobs, etc. Draw from bag one thing at a time. Everyone has to do it. Draw 5 times.
Coach
mastery
Mastering swimming starts with constantly improving coaches building and leading heroic plans set by set day by day
60 Minutes with Coach Friederang (Threshhold)
8 x 400 I.M.@7:30
5. Reverse rotation
( 4 X reverse 100 I.M.’s)
- Reverse
(Free, Breast, Back, Fly)
6. Forward: EZ w perfect stroke counts
Swimming Faster Is Fun
2. Forward No more than 10 strokes fly, 12 BK; 7 for BR, 12 for FR
7. Forward within 20 seconds of Personal Best
3. Rotation
(FL, bk, br, free by 25’s)
8. Forward: If the last one was within 20 seconds of best, then Free for breast; If not, substitute
# 4 stroke for Free
4. Substitution
(Sub any stroke for any other stroke)
For another time:
1. Kick third lap of each stroke
(Fly 3 laps and then dolphin, etc.)
2.Reverse rotation substitution
(sub 1 stroke for another on each of 4 x reverse 100 I.M.s)
Hero Makers with Coach Friederang (Threshhold)
Hero Sets
5. 100x100's
- 20x400's@CV+10
Swimming Faster Is Fun
6. 20x 25's@1:30 all under half best 50
2. 3 x 1650's for time middle kick
7. CV: As many 100's as possible on a tight interval in an hour
3. 1000 tombstone Dolphin Flutter
3,000 I.M. for time
20X50's over under water for average
4. 3 x 400 fly or breast, or back or i.M. or free@7:30 for avg and best
Boolean:
2X1650's to make 1@24. Under 17:30 skips to start kicking
3 x 400 I.M.'s to make 2@7:30
4 100@ Back to make 3 -- under 200 best
Choice same as above
Jennifer Giles is a contributor to CS Magazine
She has a Masters in Exercise Physiology, another Masters in Nutrition Science and is an adjunct professor at Cornell University. She also has two kids who swim! We Zoom with her on the next page! Buy her book!
Pro subscribers present and new get 50% off Tempo Trainers this month Call 800.999.0824. Limited quantity.
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Specialized
Swimming Exercises
Kicking: Ankles and Feet
Dr. Colleen Liaga and Coach Steve Friederang
Sponsored by
The World Swimming Coaches Association
100 Free World Record 43?
Dr. Genadijus Sokolovas
Sponsored by
Competitiveswimmer.com
Synthesis
Will Gallant, this year’s NCAA Champion in the 1650 and an Olympic hopeful training at the Swim Team. Will is working on his weakness, a finishing kick. A main component of an effective kick is being able to quickly move the recovery phase, the up-kick in free flutter, back up to set up the main propulsive phase without bending the knee. One thing he has to do is improve power in his hip extensors so he doesn’t have to engage his biceps femoris. He’s using an accommodating device I re-invented, but you can use bands and tubing, which is a compromise, but can still work. Other exercises we like include reverse hyperextensions, using the Kicker, putting a weight on the hips and bridging, etc., all which will be shown in other editions of Competitive Swimmer Magazine. The most essential component of any training modality is to track Will’s times for kicking to make sure our efforts are actually working -- with sets like 3 x 100@3 and 400 kick for time. In the first month, he’s already improved 2.9% in plantar flexion (using a protractor) and 100 flutter. When you test, be scientific. No pulling in kick testing, for example. More later.
Coach Steve Friederang for Competitive Swimmer magazine, guest mentoring at The Swim Team.
nutrition
Columbia University Professor Jenn Giles Discussed nutrition for Winning Swimmers: Session 2
Sponsored by
CompetitiveSwimmer.com
Perfecting Practice
By Coach and mentor Steve Friederang
Scaffolding
By Master coach Ginny Fergussen
How to teach anything, at any level
Ross Gerry is Co-owner of Wecoach4u.com where he works with athletes and coaches from local to elite helping them with training programs, race analysis, technique, race and strength plans. He is C.S.C.S. (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist), 2000 Olympic Coach, former Associate Head Coach, Stanford Women’s Swimming. Designer of all strength programs for Stanford Women Swimming, 1991-2001.
Katrina Radke is Co-owner of Wecoach4u.com, Olympian, Sport Psychology Professor, and Health and Peak Performance Expert. She works with people in small group settings on peak performance and mental health, and does video calls for private sessions.
Stroke perfecton
Give as much as you take
Develop a hero heart
swimming Faster
Training
Hang with the best to be the best
Strength through range of motion
Great coaching
Recovery and Nutrition
- People have "homeschooled for as long as there have been parents who had children!
- There is value in classroom-based learning, but it was never designed to be sufficient
- One to one is 30 times more interaction than 1-30.
- "Student Centered" means the student comes BEFORE the curriculum.
- The curricula is EVERYWHERE
- Goal setting, testing, and adaptation are keys to success and fun!
Boolean Coaching
If- Then- Else -- the motivation and the science
You ever done "get-out swims?" I try to hate them from a motivational psychology perspective. They remind me of the waterpolo coach who uses fly as a punishment. The result is that no one on that program likes fly. And a "get-out" swim reinforces ... getting out!
But, when these incentives are used a games in the bigger picture of improving focus, making training a game and even making people faster, they work.
What does this look like?
In the computer world a "Boolean Expression" starts with a goal. If a certain condition is met, something happens. If it's not met, something else happens or nothing happens. For example, if the number of people who reach Nationals is greater than X, then the time standard gets harder to achieve.
A smarter way to incentivize fitness and speed
The first step of all this is to know what you want. You want faster kick times? How much faster? Why do you want faster kick times? How much are you willing to sacrifice in full swimming or pulling to get faster kick times? Knowing the "why" and "how much" leads you to our discussion of using "Boolean Coaching" to sell your swimmers (or yourself) and in gamifying the process of achieving your goals. Examples follow:
- People have "homeschooled for as long as there have been parents who had children!
- There is value in classroom-based learning, but it was never designed to be sufficient
- One to one is 30 times more interaction than 1-30.
- "Student Centered" means the student comes BEFORE the curriculum.
- The curricula is EVERYWHERE
- Goal setting, testing, and adaptation are keys to success and fun!
Boolean Coaching
An example of a Boolean set
The set-up: Do 100 flutter kick for time for all the swimmers in a group.
Use lined paper notebook or an excell spreadsheet to put names on the left side and times next to the names.
Then set a goal for 3X100 flutter@3 -- say 80% of their best time.
Instead of giving the set as 3X100, give them 4X100 or 6X100@1:30.
Here's how the Boolean can take over: IF a swimmer goes faster than 90% their best 100 flutter on the first 3, that swimmer cheers on those who did not on #4.
Or, in the second example: IF a swimmer goes faster than 90% on #1, he skips#2, etc.
What's accomplished?
Let's take the second example: You get fast kicking from those ready for fast kick. For those out of shape, you get more kicking. I grant anyone the possibility that more doesn't always lead to faster. But none doesn't lead to faster, and slow doesn't lead to faster either. Those who go 600 flutter in missing every goal are in threshold or lactate, or maybe even EN1. But they are moving the right muscles the right way and it could be what they need that day dues to all sorts of reasons. Those who make all the goals are now faster than they have ever been. That might well relate to your goal of them finishing better or even being faster through the whole race.
When to use Boolean
The teeth of Boolean sets get dull if you use them all the time for incentive. So I use them when I pretty much know they can do better if I put a carrot out there.
But the concept of Boolean is essential to a season plan and adaptation both for the swimmers and for the coach. It actually defines what successful coaches and swimmers do...
- People have "homeschooled for as long as there have been parents who had children!
- There is value in classroom-based learning, but it was never designed to be sufficient
- One to one is 30 times more interaction than 1-30.
- "Student Centered" means the student comes BEFORE the curriculum.
- The curricula is EVERYWHERE
- Goal setting, testing, and adaptation are keys to success and fun!
Boolean Coaching
A Boolean philosophy
What coaches do is help people do what they want to do.
A swimmer wants to go 1:59.98 in the 200. He presently goes 2:01.08. As a test set they establish 3 x 100 and a goal average of 59.9. This article is too short to talk about all the variables, from stroke efficiency to energy management, rates, rhythm, race plans, etc.
But the philosophy is about what scientists call shifting the line of best fit from where it is to somewhere better. This can be just "try your hardest". Or it can be a result of determining when and how much training at what velocities as compared to a swimmer's best velocity for races and components at what parts of the season and cycle. This second choice is more involved, but it's also more effective and more fun in the long run.
Setting it up
Ron Aitken and Dr. G and I have been discussing this for some time. An important part of the season plan for them is to shift on the basis of velocity improvement. This isn't just fitness. It's stroke count. It's the actual performance improvement as measured by speed. That could be a result of a better stoke, a stronger stroke, more endurance or a leaner portrait in the water than before. The Boolean part is in adapting the practice velocity, duration, rest interval, or rest overall (total volume and percentage of velocity).
Selling it
Kids who race love to race. Not everyone wants to be held accountable. Most love positive honest, and reliable feedback. Ask any of Aitken's swimmers his or her stroke count any time in the middle of practice. Or what they are averaging on any set. Or why it's important. If your swimmers want to win, they will be easy to sell. If they are less motivated, Boolean coaching might not motivate them, but it will be more fun for you and those who kick their butts :).
Never
Leave a wall without a goal
Never/always
Leave a wall without a goal Leave a wall with a goal
This is what makes swimming faster fun!
Always
Leave a wall with a goal!
Always
Improve. Each practice is an opportunity to do something you could not have done the week before.
Thank
Those who care for you. Even appreciate your competitors.
Thank parents daily. Thank coaches. Thank your teammates.
Be the most appreciative person on the team by doing your best to be your best and helping others to be their best.
9 Habits
Of Highly Effective Swimmers
Wall Sendoffs
Of Highly Effective Swimmers
Pro Subscribers
We'll send you this in interactive format for YOUR swimmers.
Perfecting Practice
By Coach and mentor Steve Friederang
From Rowing
and cycling to swimming:
Learn from everyone!
On base training and seasonal cycles and progression
Equipment Ideas for a new season
01
Land
Leaper
Rotating electronic swim bench
Isokinetic Minigyms
Tubing and bands
Kicker
Fankle, Mini, and Team versions
Hankle
Dorsi stretcher
Wrist and hand
Rice Bucket
02
Water
Smart Tower
CS Tower with distance stops
Tug of War
Cloth covered bands
Power (springs)
Power Tower
Inner Tubes
Whisbie*
03
Video, Audio Coaching
Eyeswim
Video Cart
Bottoms Up with (cam)
Real time phone video for coach
Underwater speaker
Swimmunicator
Tempo Trainers
Educational Equipment Ideas: They only master what they KNOW
01
Classroom
What I use:
Macbook Pro
Projector or displays (TV or computer)
Sound
Tables and chairs
Pencils and notebooks
Lots of links to model swimmers
SD cards and Airdrop of above and underwater video of the swimmers
I use Objectus to show them side by side.
Tests and quizzes
Rewards.
02
Software/apps
Quicktime
Objectus Studio
Cool Coach Ai (coming the first quarter of 2024)
03
Materials
Stroke Report Card
Goal Card
Percentage chart
Pace Chart
Time standards
Web sites and e-mails for during class, between days and after the camp.
Post and publish what matters
Tracking
Jim
Taylor
Building your mental toolbox
The PowerBox
Resisting on the way out for power, then assisting neural firing faster than the swimmer can swim without it.
Competitive Swimmer.com
Do you have a fast track?
Improve your team's Age Group to Senior transition
Competitive
Swimmer Magazine
www.competitiveswimmer.com
Coming
Faster
Swimming
fun
IN The Future
Make time for Play
The Learning Curve
Ups and Downs
Puberty and Swimming
Social Swimming
Why Kids Quit Swimming (and how to retain them)
Rent a Bus -- Travel as a reward
Budget by Values Not Tradition
Junk Food at Meets
Breakfast Of Champion Swims
Does Cross Training Really Work?
Essential relationships between parent, swimmer & coach
Swim in your own lane -- Dr. Goldberg
Stay in the moment -- grab the water before you throw it!
9 Habits of Highly Effective Coaches and Swimmers
Teaching the power of gratitude -- be thankful and ask to be thanked!
Handling injury
Preventing injury
Building the best environment on purpose
Fit or fast?
Stroke or win?
Building commitment by example (for leaders and swimmers)
Training Partners
Do what you love; Love what you do (even when it's tough!)
Expanding what they learn in swimming to a LIFE of mastery
Eliminating distractions
The problems and opportunities of tech
Myths
The Code of Talent
Late Bloomers in Swimming
Swimming Science-- Doc to Ernie and beyond
Risk Taking for Swimmers and Coaches
Assertive Discipline by Lee Cantor
Who writes your team newsletter?
Who runs your team website?
The Mindful Swimmer
What swimmers coaches, and parents really want
Define: A perfect swim meet? A perfect practice?
Hiring or building an unbeatable coaching staff
Competitive Swimmer Magazine
1
It takes a village!
Competitive Swimmer Magazine
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