Hypothesis on specialized training models
*Warning* this may bore some
members, please privately message
me to find the solution for you.
With 18 swimming events, fulfilling
the maximum potential in each discipline
requires specific training models.
Also, with the variety of body types,
the training program needs to vary
from person to person. For example,
Dara Torres might not have the
same level of success in a program
designed for Michael Phelps, and
vice versa. So, in order to maximize
either side of the spectrum, a
multi-faceted approach is required.
The point is, one program works very
well for a particular type of person,
and not so good for another. So which
program is better? Neither, that answer
depends on the athlete in question.
So you see, a coach can have success with
either program, and the athlete with a
predisposition for that type of training
will rise to the top.
I need to dispel any myths that one program
is better than another. This only makes
arguable sense when talking about a
particular athlete. So please, the traditional
methods do have merit when training particular athletes.
Although, the Nystrand versus Popov debate is another
example for the need towards flexible technique
analysis. Ultimately, it comes down to the
specific strength and weaknesses of each
particular athlete.
The point is, the depth of potential may
be a higher number than we previously assumed,
and that my friends, is an opportunity.
Happy Swimming,
Jonathan R. Miller:wave:
Haha... First, let me say it is an honor to have discussions with my hero... A WR is a WR is a WR... Well Done Chris Stevenson... Although, you could have given us an arm-pump, or even a smile, or something like that on the video... ;-) How about a WAAHHHOOO!!!! just a thought...
Anyways...
You're right, for age-group programs there are universal "truths" about training that can "whip" aspiring athletes into quasi-respectable swimmers... Although, as we age, specialized programs may be more suitable, and we can probably even afford a personalized program/trainer.
The thing is, we all have different weaknesses and strengths... We can become reasonably "fast" with a standard program, but if you want to pass that level you must target your personal weaknesses specifically.
This requires specialized training programs. **(BONG, or was it GONG)** That post was edited by the powers that be, (thanks)
Anyways, some people don't get the concept of pausing, but I prefer to use this literary technique...
The debate about kicking is silly really, almost willy nilly, because we all know the show don't flow without kicking mo-jo...
The question is, how does the vast majority reach that same level of proficiency in their under-water kick? It simply won't happen if you don't have the appropriate range of motion in your ankles...
See this link,
forums.usms.org/showpost.php
Happy swimming,
I've already taken much grief from coach and friends for the stone-face act at the end of the swims..."Did your dog just die? Did you smell something funny?" I guess I'm just not a fist-pump kind of guy, especially in front of a camera.
Definitely agree about the ankle flexibility thing; I had already seen your link from other posts and look forward to sharing it with others who have that limitation. Much better than the usual advice of "just use fins." (My own ankles are as flexible as I want them, any more would probably destabilize them or something).
Tried a new drill today, kicking with shoes on. Bizarre! Definitely makes you realize how much of the kick is below the ankles. Seriously, it doubled my kick times. You take them off and feel like you have fins on.
Specialized training may be the way to go (see: Torres, Dara) but consider the plight of the masters swim coach. You have a mix of abilities and backgrounds (some who have been swimming since a young age, some who started as adults), a mix of swimmers and triathletes, a mix of those who compete and those who simply want fitness, those who want stroke critique and those who just want to pound out the yardage. Sheesh...I'm glad I'm not a coach.
Haha... First, let me say it is an honor to have discussions with my hero... A WR is a WR is a WR... Well Done Chris Stevenson... Although, you could have given us an arm-pump, or even a smile, or something like that on the video... ;-) How about a WAAHHHOOO!!!! just a thought...
Anyways...
You're right, for age-group programs there are universal "truths" about training that can "whip" aspiring athletes into quasi-respectable swimmers... Although, as we age, specialized programs may be more suitable, and we can probably even afford a personalized program/trainer.
The thing is, we all have different weaknesses and strengths... We can become reasonably "fast" with a standard program, but if you want to pass that level you must target your personal weaknesses specifically.
This requires specialized training programs. **(BONG, or was it GONG)** That post was edited by the powers that be, (thanks)
Anyways, some people don't get the concept of pausing, but I prefer to use this literary technique...
The debate about kicking is silly really, almost willy nilly, because we all know the show don't flow without kicking mo-jo...
The question is, how does the vast majority reach that same level of proficiency in their under-water kick? It simply won't happen if you don't have the appropriate range of motion in your ankles...
See this link,
forums.usms.org/showpost.php
Happy swimming,
I've already taken much grief from coach and friends for the stone-face act at the end of the swims..."Did your dog just die? Did you smell something funny?" I guess I'm just not a fist-pump kind of guy, especially in front of a camera.
Definitely agree about the ankle flexibility thing; I had already seen your link from other posts and look forward to sharing it with others who have that limitation. Much better than the usual advice of "just use fins." (My own ankles are as flexible as I want them, any more would probably destabilize them or something).
Tried a new drill today, kicking with shoes on. Bizarre! Definitely makes you realize how much of the kick is below the ankles. Seriously, it doubled my kick times. You take them off and feel like you have fins on.
Specialized training may be the way to go (see: Torres, Dara) but consider the plight of the masters swim coach. You have a mix of abilities and backgrounds (some who have been swimming since a young age, some who started as adults), a mix of swimmers and triathletes, a mix of those who compete and those who simply want fitness, those who want stroke critique and those who just want to pound out the yardage. Sheesh...I'm glad I'm not a coach.
