I'm swimming with an age-group team and I am having some concerns about the workouts. Today, the entire workout was breaststroke. Warmup - 1500 ***. First Set - 7x300 ***, 30 sec rest interval between 300s. Second Set - 300 kick (***), Third Set - 20x100 ***. Cool Down.
I made it through the warmup and 4 of the first 300s before I could no longer lift my arms and my legs were starting to cramp. I swam free the remaining 300s and completed the kick set before I had to call it quits. (No one else finished either).
I've got mixed feelings about this type of workout and I would like some feedback.
On the one hand, my *** stroke muscles got a great workout. On the other hand, it was impossible to maintain perfect form. Instead I concentrated mostly on high elbows and the outsweep portion as well as a good kick.
Prior to swimming with this particular coach, my philosophy was to not sacrifice form and technique for yardage. But are there times when it is good to overwork the muscles?
BTW: Although this is only my 3rd workout with this Coach, I have noticed that this type of workout is not unusual, we have yet to do any freestyle sets. It has all been butterfly, back and ***.
Former Member
Ouch my body hurts thinking of this...I don't have a coach but I rely on workouts posted on this site and others, I dont think I have ever seen something like this and I know I wouldnt have down loaded it if I had.
I am glad you listened to your body and switched to free, :applaud: but I really worry about the kids as typically they won't question an adults directions. Maybe you'll be a role model of sanity....
I hope you post the coaches response to your questions. Hand in there.
Two main coaches are still awol so I wasn't able to ask either of them what the deal is. I did ask one of the kids if it is common for there to be "one stroke" workouts and she said that usually the workouts include other strokes. Mmmmm, I'm not holding my breath as I'm on my 3rd week and I've yet to see a freestyle set.
Tonight was backstroke night -
Warm Up
6x400 backstroke
Main Set
3x1000 backstroke pull, 2 min rest, double arm every 100 yards.
Both the breaststroke and backstroke workouts are totally insane. They don't seem especially intended to accomplish anything except injury. Even if you have a particular stroke focus for that night, which is fine, you still have to mix up the strokes/drills, etc. a bit. Warm up 6 x 400 back?!?! Stupid! Keep doing your own thing. That workout is really messed up. I would never do it. Aside from the injury/lack of utility/effectiveness factora, I would die of boredom ... :snore: :shakeshead: (Of course, kids don't have as much freedom of expression as masters swimmers.)
My kid's USA-S team never does workouts like that from what I have heard/seen. My masters team gets some workouts from a college coach. We never do that crap. And I've never done a workout with no freestyle whatsoever ...
Two main coaches are still awol so I wasn't able to ask either of them what the deal is. I did ask one of the kids if it is common for there to be "one stroke" workouts and she said that usually the workouts include other strokes. Mmmmm, I'm not holding my breath as I'm on my 3rd week and I've yet to see a freestyle set.
Tonight was backstroke night -
Warm Up
6x400 backstroke
Main Set
3x1000 backstroke pull, 2 min rest, double arm every 100 yards.
That was as far as any of the kids got, but the rest of the workout was entirely back stroke up to 6100 yards. I noticed one or two of the kids switched to free every once in awhile, but not enough, in my opinion. I was hoping I would start a trend, but I think the kids are afraid to question authority. What ends up happening is the kids start goofing off because they are tired and bored.
Here is what I did:
12x200, alternating back/free
1x200 back pull
2x400 free pull
1x200 back pull
400 free swim
10x100 free, 10 sec. rest
Backstroke is definitely my weak stroke and too much makes my right elbow (weak arm, I'm left handed) hurt. Does anyone else ever experience "backstroke elbow" from too much backstroke?
Two main coaches are still awol so I wasn't able to ask either of them what the deal is. I did ask one of the kids if it is common for there to be "one stroke" workouts and she said that usually the workouts include other strokes. Mmmmm, I'm not holding my breath as I'm on my 3rd week and I've yet to see a freestyle set.
Tonight was backstroke night -
Warm Up
6x400 backstroke
Main Set
3x1000 backstroke pull, 2 min rest, double arm every 100 yards.
That was as far as any of the kids got, but the rest of the workout was entirely back stroke up to 6100 yards. I noticed one or two of the kids switched to free every once in awhile, but not enough, in my opinion. I was hoping I would start a trend, but I think the kids are afraid to question authority. What ends up happening is the kids start goofing off because they are tired and bored.
Here is what I did:
12x200, alternating back/free
1x200 back pull
2x400 free pull
1x200 back pull
400 free swim
10x100 free, 10 sec. rest
Backstroke is definitely my weak stroke and too much makes my right elbow (weak arm, I'm left handed) hurt. Does anyone else ever experience "backstroke elbow" from too much backstroke?
Oh goodness Susan. This is why kids leave swimming. These poor kids don't even realize it can be better and fun.
Those poor kids. They don't know fun in a workout. If my age group coach wanted us to focus on a stroke, we'd still do something like an IM in the middle. So say 8x200, odds would be stroke and evens IM (this is what we did today). I, like you, would get bored with all backstroke.
Alison
Sounds like this coach has no swim practice creativity. Almost like he gives the long sets to just fill the block of time. Is he on deck reading a paper or something while you swim these long sets or actually coaching and looking at peoples strokes? Do not see how you can hold proper stroke technique for that long of a set. To me it seems like a lot of garbage yards.
If I had a practice that was all breaststroke I would move over to the noodler lanes and do their workout instead. Good luck with that coach and hope it all works out for ya.
greg
Susan, these workouts are insanity and garbage yards. Nothing is accomplished doing piles of yards just for the sake of doing them. Also, it could be harmful to the kids. This coach or temp coach needs a pink slip fast.
