I personally never do drills that focus on a part of a full stroke, such as kicking alone, or one-hand stroke, etc. etc. If I want to correct/improve a certain aspect of the stroke, I do so in full stroke. How many out there share my opinion that separate drills are unnecessary, or even not helpful?
Gobears,
You say your evidence lies in the fact that the swimmers you have swum and trained with seem to benefit and use drills. OK, I don't use strict drills and I have had some success, one of my training partners, Bob Strand, doesn't use drills and he is a world record holder in the breastroke.
I just don't believe in the "part- whole method". But that's me. I think most people expect to do drills in practice so that becomes a part of the routine. I also think that coaches who produce videos know that swimmers are looking for that magic drill so they include drills in the video.
Again, I feel that I do drills in a way, as I concentrate on various parts of my stroke while practicing the entire stroke. Again, that's me and I feel that it works. If others feel that drills work for them, I have no problem with that.
Fair enough. I'm not sure everything that applies to masters swimmers applies to swimming in general, though. I'd be lost without drill-work with my summer league kids--especially getting them to breathe to the side on freestyle.
I've never done the vertical breaststroke kicking on the wall, Alan. Great idea!
Gobears,
You say your evidence lies in the fact that the swimmers you have swum and trained with seem to benefit and use drills. OK, I don't use strict drills and I have had some success, one of my training partners, Bob Strand, doesn't use drills and he is a world record holder in the breastroke.
I just don't believe in the "part- whole method". But that's me. I think most people expect to do drills in practice so that becomes a part of the routine. I also think that coaches who produce videos know that swimmers are looking for that magic drill so they include drills in the video.
Again, I feel that I do drills in a way, as I concentrate on various parts of my stroke while practicing the entire stroke. Again, that's me and I feel that it works. If others feel that drills work for them, I have no problem with that.
Fair enough. I'm not sure everything that applies to masters swimmers applies to swimming in general, though. I'd be lost without drill-work with my summer league kids--especially getting them to breathe to the side on freestyle.
I've never done the vertical breaststroke kicking on the wall, Alan. Great idea!
