I am looking to take my swimming to the next level so I can compete more. I have good technique but know that serious swimmers should get coaching on technique and do some drill work every workout to really improve, (right?). Problem is that the masters coach for our group doesn't do any of that -- really the workouts are just posted but no input is given. I know I need to add kicking/pulling/ work on turns and other specifics and also develop some dryland training but don't know how to incorporate those into my training. Any suggestions on where to go to get individualized coaching? (i.e. books, or where to find an individual coach). Thanks for any ideas.
Former Member
A real coach is much better than a book. If there is a local USS or high school team, try talking to their coach about getting a few lessons or if they can recommend anyone to coach you. Or if there's a local college, there may be swimmers or former swimmers that can help you, especially if you're a new swimmer. One of my friends on my college swim club does swim lessons for several triathletes. If you're in an area big enough to have a masters team, there's someone out there that can coach you, it just might take a little searching.
The first place I’d suggest going is to your coach. If your coach is not effective, then work with him or her to be a real coach. And feel free to ask the USMS Coaches committee for advice and support. In the long run it may be better for your entire club to have a coach who actively coaches.
I know a fellow who has just done a 2.05 200 m who is coached on line. His coach lives Vancouver and he lives in Australia. He was not a swimmer in his youth.
A late bloomer?
There are tons of people on this site that will give you great information about taking your swimming to a new level. This site is awesome and there's always someone willing to give you some advice.
I'm an EVF and dryland guy who is passionate about those areas of swim training and think there vital for increasing swimming speed. There are streamlining specialists, workout specialists, psychologists, etc., all you do is find one that gets you the results you're looking for. Please feel free to email me at tomtopo@netzero.com I'll send you some articles and sites that you'll enjoy and can help you move it up. Good luck, Coach T.
I know a fellow who has just done a 2.05 200 m who is coached on line. His coach lives Vancouver and he lives in Australia. He was not a swimmer in his youth.
