I'm trying to determine what level of strength is required to be a good sprinter (i.e. 100 free).
Could you list your max repetitions of push ups, pull ups and dips? This would give me some assesment on power to weight ratio and strength endurance.
Also, what is your max bench press if you know it? or reps of 225 lbs. I'm curious about what level of pure strength sprinters have.
I think I am deficient mostly in technique and then strength endurance but maybe this post would show me I need weight room work.
Hi rtodd,
I think I remember you posting your time for the 50 as :26-something. Based on that time, and on your 1:04 time for the 100, I'm with Matt - your problem isn't strength.
You said you are a runner by background. What was your track event? Were you a drop-dead sprinter?
Here's a comparison for you:
I am a drop-dead sprinter (alas, not a particularly fast one, but still). My time for the 50 free is a 27.7 and my time for the 100 is a 1:01.7. I'm betting you are A LOT stronger than I am, especially based on that 50 time. Having never ever seen your stroke, I'd guess based on your times that you get through your 50 with raw power, but that your ability to power through starts to fall apart on the 100 as technique flaws take you down. Watch those really fast swimmers at Championships. See how they never seem to fall apart? Their 50 is power... their 100 is power too.
You've only been swimming for 2 years... your times are FANTASTIC! Hang in there... as your technique improves, you will see some huge drops in your 100 and 200.
Hi rtodd,
I think I remember you posting your time for the 50 as :26-something. Based on that time, and on your 1:04 time for the 100, I'm with Matt - your problem isn't strength.
You said you are a runner by background. What was your track event? Were you a drop-dead sprinter?
Here's a comparison for you:
I am a drop-dead sprinter (alas, not a particularly fast one, but still). My time for the 50 free is a 27.7 and my time for the 100 is a 1:01.7. I'm betting you are A LOT stronger than I am, especially based on that 50 time. Having never ever seen your stroke, I'd guess based on your times that you get through your 50 with raw power, but that your ability to power through starts to fall apart on the 100 as technique flaws take you down. Watch those really fast swimmers at Championships. See how they never seem to fall apart? Their 50 is power... their 100 is power too.
You've only been swimming for 2 years... your times are FANTASTIC! Hang in there... as your technique improves, you will see some huge drops in your 100 and 200.
