So I'm signed up for my first Masters stroke clinic scheduled next month. I've swam with a coached Master's group for about 2 years now but was never previously on a swim team. (I learned to swim through a 197Os style Red Cross program.) I've competed in one very small swim meet and 8 open water events. In my two years with masters I've learned how to do flip turns, butterfly, streamlines, relearned *** the modern way, and improved my form with free and back. I've had four different coaches giving me sometimes contradictory advice on form. 2 of the coaches focus on form a decent amount the but the other two are conditioning oriented. I've signed up for the stroke clinic in hopes of getting more useful help on form since I'm not getting enough at my home pool.
So my question is what should I expect and is there anything I should do to prepare? I'm a little nervous about whether I am fit enough to last all morning. My typical workouts are 75 minutes rather than half day and 2200-2500 yards - occasionally up to 3000.
Any advice would be much appreciated
While I can't comment on the USMS stroke clinics specifically, I do feel that the more knowledge you have, the better off you are as a swimmer, which is why clinics can be very helpful. Even if you feel comfortable with your level, there are always improvements to be made, which is what keeps swimming fun and challenging.
Clinics can vary in terms of effectiveness - each clinic is going to take a different approach. I would suggest seeking out clinics that will be limited to smaller groups - or that have good coach-swimmer ratios. The more individualized the clinic is, the more you will get out of it.
Also look at the amount of pool time vs classroom time. Unless you're more interested in theory than in practice, the more time you spend practicing the stroke technique in the pool within the allotted clinic time, the more benefit you will derive from the session.
Finally, look into whether video analysis is offered. This is so important to be able to see yourself, have someone point out your areas of weakness, and figure out how to eliminate those weaknesses. This in turn can help improve upon areas of your stroke that might be prone to injuries, thus helping avoid present or future complications.
Hope this helps!
While I can't comment on the USMS stroke clinics specifically, I do feel that the more knowledge you have, the better off you are as a swimmer, which is why clinics can be very helpful. Even if you feel comfortable with your level, there are always improvements to be made, which is what keeps swimming fun and challenging.
Clinics can vary in terms of effectiveness - each clinic is going to take a different approach. I would suggest seeking out clinics that will be limited to smaller groups - or that have good coach-swimmer ratios. The more individualized the clinic is, the more you will get out of it.
Also look at the amount of pool time vs classroom time. Unless you're more interested in theory than in practice, the more time you spend practicing the stroke technique in the pool within the allotted clinic time, the more benefit you will derive from the session.
Finally, look into whether video analysis is offered. This is so important to be able to see yourself, have someone point out your areas of weakness, and figure out how to eliminate those weaknesses. This in turn can help improve upon areas of your stroke that might be prone to injuries, thus helping avoid present or future complications.
Hope this helps!
