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.
I agree. I'm not a backstroker by any means but I do it since it improves my feel in the water. I don't think any drills are harmful so why not do them?
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.
I agree. I'm not a backstroker by any means but I do it since it improves my feel in the water. I don't think any drills are harmful so why not do them?
