So here's a challenge for coaches, would-be coaches, know-it-alls & serious students of the art of swimming: hypothetically, Matt Biondi comes to you and says "I turn 40 on Oct 8th & I'd like to launch a comeback of sorts, focusing on Masters. I'd like to compete in the SC Nats this coming spring & if that goes well go to LC Nats in August. I really don't harbour thoughts of an Open comeback, but I am curious to see how fast I could go for 50-100 free with the new suits & dolphining off the wall. "
1.) Discuss in broad terms what your training design for Matt would be: yardage, amount of emphasis on technique drills, strength training component, flexibility training. Divide the period of time before the stated target meets & show training changes for those meets (taper etc.) Assume that he is very close to his original swimming weight & has been in the water a lot to demonstrate & have fun but no training at all.
2.) Set time goals for Matt for the 50-100 free both SC & LC and then discuss whether you would urge him (if he attained those goals) to launch any sort of Open comeback.
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Former Member
This is a good question. Here is what I would do as his coach:
A typical week:
3-4K of technique swimming, not with drills though, because he does not need that, but regular stroke with emphasis on certain parts of the stroke. For example, a set of 75's with an over emphasis on catching the water as early on as possible.
At least two days of big endurance sets. Something like 8x400's or 10x300's. Yuck. Matt was an awesome 200 swimmer because he trained mid distance. That would need to continue.
On Wednesdays 6 x 200's for time from the block, on Saturdays 6 x50's for time from the block. Record and measure progress.
20x50's dolphin kick on back two times per week. 20 minutes of vertical kicking per week. Lots of kicking period!
And lastly, I would wonder how I got so lucky to train a guy like Matt Biondi!
This is a good question. Here is what I would do as his coach:
A typical week:
3-4K of technique swimming, not with drills though, because he does not need that, but regular stroke with emphasis on certain parts of the stroke. For example, a set of 75's with an over emphasis on catching the water as early on as possible.
At least two days of big endurance sets. Something like 8x400's or 10x300's. Yuck. Matt was an awesome 200 swimmer because he trained mid distance. That would need to continue.
On Wednesdays 6 x 200's for time from the block, on Saturdays 6 x50's for time from the block. Record and measure progress.
20x50's dolphin kick on back two times per week. 20 minutes of vertical kicking per week. Lots of kicking period!
And lastly, I would wonder how I got so lucky to train a guy like Matt Biondi!
