Since joining an new group, I have run into an old problem. What to do when the coach has a workout designed that is something that it outside your swimming goals?
We are focused on Backstroke this week. Since it is highly unlikely that I will ever compete in Satan's stroke in an individual event other than surviving 25 to 50 yards/meters on a 200 IM, but I intend to compete in *** stroke, is it wrong to opt out and swim breastroke?
I opted out and swam breaststroke, working drills where drills were written, kicking where kicking was planned, and hammering the sprints when it was time to sprint.
Since I have aged up four brackets and will now compete in the 50-54 bracket, there are probably a finite number of swims that I have. I would rather focus on breaststroke where I am motivated and don't mind chasing the backstroke intervals.
Thoughts?
Don
If you want to be coached, I think it best to go along with the workout unless you have an injury that keeps you from doing what the coach suggests. Lots of top coaches have their freestylers train some backstroke as they believe it helps the swimmer's freestyle, so don't assume that it is a waste of time to train it, even if you don't race backstroke individually. Also, if it is a weak stroke for you, working it can only improve your I.M.
You could also privately suggest to the coach that when he/she wants the group doing non-freestyle sets perhaps he/she could make it non-free choice. A masters swimmer's time is limited so it is understandable why you would not want to waste time doing something you believe will not help you. Again, privately make suggestions to the coach as communicating is better than not saying anything at all. You may not be the only one that feels the way you do and good coaches usually appreciate feedback.
And finally, many masters swimmers are very independent and are happier training on their own. This enables them to do what they want when they want. Many masters swimmers swim several workouts a week on their own and then once a week, jump into the group practice to get a push. If you want to know what the group is going to be doing before you show up, try to contact the coach in advance to find out.
Happy waves!:)
If you want to be coached, I think it best to go along with the workout unless you have an injury that keeps you from doing what the coach suggests. Lots of top coaches have their freestylers train some backstroke as they believe it helps the swimmer's freestyle, so don't assume that it is a waste of time to train it, even if you don't race backstroke individually. Also, if it is a weak stroke for you, working it can only improve your I.M.
You could also privately suggest to the coach that when he/she wants the group doing non-freestyle sets perhaps he/she could make it non-free choice. A masters swimmer's time is limited so it is understandable why you would not want to waste time doing something you believe will not help you. Again, privately make suggestions to the coach as communicating is better than not saying anything at all. You may not be the only one that feels the way you do and good coaches usually appreciate feedback.
And finally, many masters swimmers are very independent and are happier training on their own. This enables them to do what they want when they want. Many masters swimmers swim several workouts a week on their own and then once a week, jump into the group practice to get a push. If you want to know what the group is going to be doing before you show up, try to contact the coach in advance to find out.
Happy waves!:)
