I'm seeking advice on training for the 100 fly. Decided to start swimming it last year. Swam it 7x on the three courses. I can only remember 3x times where I didn't suffer from complete paralysis the last 15 meters or so and worry about a DQ. Gah. So how can I fix this?
I've read that you don't need to train fly in practice. I'm not sure I buy this. The muscular fatigue from fly seems unique. And I don't want to substitute freestyle training for it.
What are some good sets? How many SDKs per length should I take to prevent oxygen debt? If too much fly hurts the shoulders, is kicking a decent training substitute?
I also seem to swim better 100 flys on a week rest. The paralysis seems to be associated with a 2 week taper. Does aerobic fitness drop off that quickly? Is this an age thing? Or is it that I just don't train enough yards for a 2 week taper?
As is always the case there is no "cookie cutter" approach. Things like body type, flexibility, aerobic vs. physical strengths...and with regard to fly the most forgotten aspect mental...how many people dread swimming/racing fly because of the pain that might be involved. I see this as the same problem one has when skiing, if you look at the tree you'll hit it. If you go into a race worrying about failing you probably will.
Another point, there are two types of fly and in general very few people I see who excel at both. The exceptional 200 flyers are extremely well conditioned and do well in the 400/500 free's, 400IM, etc. etc. These folks can swim long fly seats/repeats in workout, many have adapted to breath every stroke and generally have a minimal kick....all things that are usually the opposite from what you need to do in the 50/100 fly.
For me I can honestly say I haven't swam a 100 fly in workout since college. I work endlessly on form and power. Lot's of drills, lots of hard kicking...tempo-tempo-tempo! I also never worry about dying...maybe thats my problem!!
As is always the case there is no "cookie cutter" approach. Things like body type, flexibility, aerobic vs. physical strengths...and with regard to fly the most forgotten aspect mental...how many people dread swimming/racing fly because of the pain that might be involved. I see this as the same problem one has when skiing, if you look at the tree you'll hit it. If you go into a race worrying about failing you probably will.
Another point, there are two types of fly and in general very few people I see who excel at both. The exceptional 200 flyers are extremely well conditioned and do well in the 400/500 free's, 400IM, etc. etc. These folks can swim long fly seats/repeats in workout, many have adapted to breath every stroke and generally have a minimal kick....all things that are usually the opposite from what you need to do in the 50/100 fly.
For me I can honestly say I haven't swam a 100 fly in workout since college. I work endlessly on form and power. Lot's of drills, lots of hard kicking...tempo-tempo-tempo! I also never worry about dying...maybe thats my problem!!
