I'm looking to gain more knowledge about sprint freestyle swimming. As an long retired distance freestyler I don't have a great deal of personal knowledge of how to swim the 50 or 100 freestyle. I've coached many sprint freestylers and I know that many of the best sprinters have what I would say an amazing strategy to their sprint swims. I am currently giving private lessons to many age groupers and high school swimmers and I've been explaining to them that some of the best sprinters in the world swim their 50 or 100 with more strategy than just the plain old thought of swimming "FAST".
I would very much appreciate any of you sprinters out there who would like to share your strategies for swimming these two events. I would love to be able to pass on some of this information, but I think many of us in the masters community could learn from some of you as well. I look forward to seeing some of the responses. Maybe I will try sprinting one day (LOL):rofl: .
I'm no expert, although I've turned into a masters sprinter in my old age, but what helps me is:
1. Practice starts and turns regularly. (I actually need to do this more!)
2. Practice sprinting by doing some speedwork. For example, at the end of practice, no matter how tired you are, do 6 x 25s with 0-1 breath. Alternatively, do a 50 or 100 for time.
3. Do 10 x 25s dolphin kick underwater with fins. I've found this ramps up my cardio more quickly and with less effort (if you're pressed for time)than anything else.
4. Lift weights, assuming you're old enough. Strength helps sprinters more than distance swimmers.
5. Do windmill drills of a half a length of the pool where you spin your arms as quickly as possible, then easy swim the rest of the length.
6. Do some fartlek kicking, so you can turn it on during your race when you're tired.
7. If you're really ambitious, do some plyometrics drills, which should help your starts and turns.
Good luck! I enjoyed reading everyone else's tips. Leslie
I'm no expert, although I've turned into a masters sprinter in my old age, but what helps me is:
1. Practice starts and turns regularly. (I actually need to do this more!)
2. Practice sprinting by doing some speedwork. For example, at the end of practice, no matter how tired you are, do 6 x 25s with 0-1 breath. Alternatively, do a 50 or 100 for time.
3. Do 10 x 25s dolphin kick underwater with fins. I've found this ramps up my cardio more quickly and with less effort (if you're pressed for time)than anything else.
4. Lift weights, assuming you're old enough. Strength helps sprinters more than distance swimmers.
5. Do windmill drills of a half a length of the pool where you spin your arms as quickly as possible, then easy swim the rest of the length.
6. Do some fartlek kicking, so you can turn it on during your race when you're tired.
7. If you're really ambitious, do some plyometrics drills, which should help your starts and turns.
Good luck! I enjoyed reading everyone else's tips. Leslie
