Bad news for the free market of swimming came this week as Nike declared itself "out of the elite swim wear market". It stated that they are no longer going to be in the business of providing high tech suits to the sport. They said something about it not being in their corporate business model...sounds like another politician speaking.
From here it looks as if the 800lb gorilla in swimming named Speedo won this round so clearly and financially devastatingly that Nike was unwilling to keep after the lucrative swim market. We know nothing about either companies' business plans or their financial interests. We only know what we see poolside.
We know that the high tech suits from Speedo are in the $500 range and those from blueseventy are only slightly less expensive. Speedo suits are reportedly good for a handful or so of races while blueseventy are good for a few dozen (we haven't used ours that long to know for certain).
We know that with one less major manufacturer in the game all consumers suffer. We suffer from a lack of choices. We suffer from a lack of competition which helps the product get better and cheaper over time. We know that athletes suffer from a smaller range of corporate sponsors. Aaron Piersol, Branden Hansen and all former Nike suit athletes now can try to get a deal with a field that is significantly smaller. And the teams that counted on their relationship with Nike are also left to ponder "What next?"
We have seen what happens to our country when there are only two choices at the top. Let's hope the same thing doesn't happen to our sport.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Assigning Value
On of the things we are working on with our team this fall is the concept of assigning value. As swimmers we often associate fatigue or the discomfort that comes with training in a new and more challenging way with a negative value. The simple statement "Man this is killing me!" or "This is really hard to do!" is an example of assigning negative value.
We have been working on breath holding quite a bit lately. With the types of drills and sets we are doing our swimmers are pushing themselves into new territory. Not every swimmer has the skills to kick underwater dolphin kick for 10 or so meters. Those that do definitely need to increase their ability to do so on every lap of a race. Those that are not suited for this particular skill nonetheless need to be able to hold their breath just the same.
All swimmers swim faster when they keep their body in line. Breathing, except in backstroke, alters the perfect body line, the body position. In freestyle and fly in particular the less breathing you do the faster you will go. Michael Phelps is an exception to this rule. He breathes every stroke in fly (except that last one in the Olympics in the 100 race!) but has figured out how to keep his body extremely flat when he does. The fastest swimmers in the world swim the 50 free with 1-3 breaths depending upon yards or meters. All fast swimmers push the walls diligently since they are the fastest part of the swim and they typically do so without a breath. As a minimum their feet are past the flags (5 yards/meters) before they are breathing. Top flyers are under water 10 meters each turn. This goes for im'ers as well, in all four strokes.
So whether you are a racer with world ambitions or a fitness swimmer looking to take your swimming up a notch or two we encourage you to work off the walls, streamlining and holding your breath for a little longer than you probably are currently doing.
The way to do this is to make certain you are not assigning too much value to the need for air. (We are not advocating you hold your breath any longer than is prudent. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded in the least, then by all means breathe!) You can begin your practice with this concept by simply pushing off the wall and taking a couple strokes before you breathe. Or you can go for a little longer distance before you breathe; or a combination of the two. Even a fitness swimmer benefits from this because hypoxic training (training in the absence of oxygen) is widely believed to increase the number of mitochondria which in turn increases your ability to process oxygen.
The key to this, in our belief, is relaxing while not breathing. Simply take a breath and hold it with as little tension as possible in the rest of your body. Check to make sure you are not tensing your jaws, throat and shoulders. You can practice this sitting in a chair at home. Try it right now...breath in deeply and then just hold your breath for say 5 or 10 seconds without tensing the rest of your body. It is really pretty simple so long as you don't assign any value to the momentary and very temporary lack of breathing.
Let us know how it goes for you!
We have been working on breath holding quite a bit lately. With the types of drills and sets we are doing our swimmers are pushing themselves into new territory. Not every swimmer has the skills to kick underwater dolphin kick for 10 or so meters. Those that do definitely need to increase their ability to do so on every lap of a race. Those that are not suited for this particular skill nonetheless need to be able to hold their breath just the same.
All swimmers swim faster when they keep their body in line. Breathing, except in backstroke, alters the perfect body line, the body position. In freestyle and fly in particular the less breathing you do the faster you will go. Michael Phelps is an exception to this rule. He breathes every stroke in fly (except that last one in the Olympics in the 100 race!) but has figured out how to keep his body extremely flat when he does. The fastest swimmers in the world swim the 50 free with 1-3 breaths depending upon yards or meters. All fast swimmers push the walls diligently since they are the fastest part of the swim and they typically do so without a breath. As a minimum their feet are past the flags (5 yards/meters) before they are breathing. Top flyers are under water 10 meters each turn. This goes for im'ers as well, in all four strokes.
So whether you are a racer with world ambitions or a fitness swimmer looking to take your swimming up a notch or two we encourage you to work off the walls, streamlining and holding your breath for a little longer than you probably are currently doing.
The way to do this is to make certain you are not assigning too much value to the need for air. (We are not advocating you hold your breath any longer than is prudent. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded in the least, then by all means breathe!) You can begin your practice with this concept by simply pushing off the wall and taking a couple strokes before you breathe. Or you can go for a little longer distance before you breathe; or a combination of the two. Even a fitness swimmer benefits from this because hypoxic training (training in the absence of oxygen) is widely believed to increase the number of mitochondria which in turn increases your ability to process oxygen.
The key to this, in our belief, is relaxing while not breathing. Simply take a breath and hold it with as little tension as possible in the rest of your body. Check to make sure you are not tensing your jaws, throat and shoulders. You can practice this sitting in a chair at home. Try it right now...breath in deeply and then just hold your breath for say 5 or 10 seconds without tensing the rest of your body. It is really pretty simple so long as you don't assign any value to the momentary and very temporary lack of breathing.
Let us know how it goes for you!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Professional vs. Collegiate
It is fall and in many places in the United States the focus is on football. Football used to be a fall sport, just like baseball used to be a late spring/summer sport. But money and the professional leagues have changed all that. With football you have mini camps in the very early spring and summer and then training camp followed by preseason and then the start of the regular season which is 16 games long, but actually 17 weeks since each team has a bye week - read more television revenues. Of course this is followed by playoffs and since there is a wild card add another week to this post season setup. Sometimes the Super Bowl is the first week in February which is so far removed from the fall that...well you get the point. Even the college game goes into the first week of January.
But today's idea is that for those of you who have gotten jaded by the professional game, the money, the off field antics etc. perhaps you will be better served by the collegiate product. Make no mistake; it too is driven by money. However it is played by youngsters who are prone to error by the very nature of their developmental progress (or lack thereof) so the game has a much more "real" feel of a game than of a carefully scripted piece of entertainment.
What does this have to do with swimming? From our vantage point it has a lot to do with it. We just witnessed the Olympic Games in all their splendor and glory. And the swimming portion was truly captivating. We are biased of course. The sport of swimming at the international level is truly professional. Money exchanges hands openly. The faster and more marketable swimmers can and do make decent money.
There is a whole other level of swimming out there that is very much like college football in that it is almost always done for free. With the exception of a very few swimmers most collegiate swimmers pay to swim. Their tuition gives them the right to try out for the team. Most are not going to the Olympics or making money while they train. They are doing it for their own personal satisfaction. To our way of thinking that is a more "pure" pursuit. This does not in any way cast an unfavorable light on those who can profit; it merely states the facts: most swimmers do compete in college for the pure joy of doing so. Soon they will be forced out by the necessities of adulthood.
As a fan of swimming you can enjoy this collegiate experience for free as well. Nearly every college swimming program has meets that you can attend for free. Bring the whole family. If there is a charge it is usually minimal.
Swimming in college is a winter sport. Having said that, nearly every school that has a swim team is now training, even though it is fall. They will begin having meets very soon, often with an intra-squad and or Alumni meet. College swimming provides a lot of information about the sport at www.collegeswimming.com. There are teams at four levels: Division I, Division II, Division III and the NAIA level. Even most Junior Colleges or Community Colleges have team, though for many the sport is in the spring.
Check out your local area. Chances are if you are in or near a college town you have a swim team you can follow. In the larger cities and metropolitan areas there will often be several choices. If you are a Masters or fitness swimmer you may find a program at the college that will work for your own swimming needs.
Swimming is a lot like football in that while there is a professional level which is well publicized, there are many levels below that support the top end while giving thousands of enthusiasts a chance to participate. And there is always the opportunity for you to volunteer at the lower levels. You can time or officiate or become the announcer!
Check out your local college team. Our guess is that you'll be glad you did!
But today's idea is that for those of you who have gotten jaded by the professional game, the money, the off field antics etc. perhaps you will be better served by the collegiate product. Make no mistake; it too is driven by money. However it is played by youngsters who are prone to error by the very nature of their developmental progress (or lack thereof) so the game has a much more "real" feel of a game than of a carefully scripted piece of entertainment.
What does this have to do with swimming? From our vantage point it has a lot to do with it. We just witnessed the Olympic Games in all their splendor and glory. And the swimming portion was truly captivating. We are biased of course. The sport of swimming at the international level is truly professional. Money exchanges hands openly. The faster and more marketable swimmers can and do make decent money.
There is a whole other level of swimming out there that is very much like college football in that it is almost always done for free. With the exception of a very few swimmers most collegiate swimmers pay to swim. Their tuition gives them the right to try out for the team. Most are not going to the Olympics or making money while they train. They are doing it for their own personal satisfaction. To our way of thinking that is a more "pure" pursuit. This does not in any way cast an unfavorable light on those who can profit; it merely states the facts: most swimmers do compete in college for the pure joy of doing so. Soon they will be forced out by the necessities of adulthood.
As a fan of swimming you can enjoy this collegiate experience for free as well. Nearly every college swimming program has meets that you can attend for free. Bring the whole family. If there is a charge it is usually minimal.
Swimming in college is a winter sport. Having said that, nearly every school that has a swim team is now training, even though it is fall. They will begin having meets very soon, often with an intra-squad and or Alumni meet. College swimming provides a lot of information about the sport at www.collegeswimming.com. There are teams at four levels: Division I, Division II, Division III and the NAIA level. Even most Junior Colleges or Community Colleges have team, though for many the sport is in the spring.
Check out your local area. Chances are if you are in or near a college town you have a swim team you can follow. In the larger cities and metropolitan areas there will often be several choices. If you are a Masters or fitness swimmer you may find a program at the college that will work for your own swimming needs.
Swimming is a lot like football in that while there is a professional level which is well publicized, there are many levels below that support the top end while giving thousands of enthusiasts a chance to participate. And there is always the opportunity for you to volunteer at the lower levels. You can time or officiate or become the announcer!
Check out your local college team. Our guess is that you'll be glad you did!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Goal Setting Process - Step Three
The first two steps - taking responsibility and then identifying and eliminating obstacles - are followed by the third step, the one everyone usually wants to start with. The third step is design and create a plan to produce the results you want.
We are paraphrasing Natalie Reid here from page 102 (5 Steps to a Quantum Life). All of us have the same set of tools with which to work. That means ALL OF US! People who achieve goals in life and those who do not have the same tool kit available to them. Some use the kit; others do not.
Additionally, all of us get the same resources.
Think about this for a moment; the only difference between you and Natalie Coughlin or Michael Phelps is how you use your tool kit and your resources to mold your world.
In examining your tool kit the two most important tools are choices and beliefs. If you change either one a domino effect takes place changing all the others. If you make the choice to become comfortable underwater on your turns you will decide to do so in practice; you will think about it more often; you will feel proud of your accomplishment; you will develop the attitude that you can always do this; and finally you will believe in yourself and your ability to do this task. Or you can begin at the other end believing in yourself; then work backwards to the choice of doing this task everyday in practice.
The resources work this way: you are inspired to do this because it will make you a faster swimmer leading to more advanced racing opportunities. You have a clear picture, a vision, of how you look and feel turning this way. Finally, there is the anticipation that this skill is yours.
As you go about your goal setting for the week, month, season, year - it matters not what the time frame is - keep in mind that we all start out in the same place with the same tools and resources available to us.
Many people look at you and wish they could be like you. Do you ever catch yourself looking at another(s) and wishing you could be like them? We are all the same in that we have opportunities in front of us daily. We have the same tools and resources.
The question that is there for the answering is: What we - coaches and swimmers alike - going to do with this spectacular opportunity?
We are paraphrasing Natalie Reid here from page 102 (5 Steps to a Quantum Life). All of us have the same set of tools with which to work. That means ALL OF US! People who achieve goals in life and those who do not have the same tool kit available to them. Some use the kit; others do not.
- Choices and Decisions
- Thoughts and Feelings
- Attitudes and Beliefs
Additionally, all of us get the same resources.
- Inspiration: this is the thing you want
- Vision: the picture of you when you have it
- Anticipation: the expectation that it will be yours
Think about this for a moment; the only difference between you and Natalie Coughlin or Michael Phelps is how you use your tool kit and your resources to mold your world.
In examining your tool kit the two most important tools are choices and beliefs. If you change either one a domino effect takes place changing all the others. If you make the choice to become comfortable underwater on your turns you will decide to do so in practice; you will think about it more often; you will feel proud of your accomplishment; you will develop the attitude that you can always do this; and finally you will believe in yourself and your ability to do this task. Or you can begin at the other end believing in yourself; then work backwards to the choice of doing this task everyday in practice.
The resources work this way: you are inspired to do this because it will make you a faster swimmer leading to more advanced racing opportunities. You have a clear picture, a vision, of how you look and feel turning this way. Finally, there is the anticipation that this skill is yours.
As you go about your goal setting for the week, month, season, year - it matters not what the time frame is - keep in mind that we all start out in the same place with the same tools and resources available to us.
Many people look at you and wish they could be like you. Do you ever catch yourself looking at another(s) and wishing you could be like them? We are all the same in that we have opportunities in front of us daily. We have the same tools and resources.
The question that is there for the answering is: What we - coaches and swimmers alike - going to do with this spectacular opportunity?
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Goal Setting Process
As Promised...
Last week we shared what we are doing with our team at the beginning of goal setting. This is the second installment of the process. It involves some personal thought and a bit of "homework" in that ideas and objectives need to be written down. We ask our swimmers to take their time with this process. We want their responses eventually but we are not pressuring them for their ideas. At some point we will declare we need everyone to turn in to us their work; however we feel it is important for them to take time to really think about their goals and the corresponding commitment to them. What follows is our handout from last week. Let us know what you think!
Goal Setting Process
This is not the only way to work when setting your goals. It is, however, a proved process and we suggest you consider the steps before moving forward. You will need a paper and pencil and a little time. You can begin whenever you want, take a pause in the steps, and then return as time allows. We do know this for certain, no one in history has ever made a significant improvement - and retained it - without writing a goal down. Please, at the very least do that much.
Step One: Take Responsibility.
If you are not responsible for something you cannot change it so this is the first and most important step. For instance, if you want to break 2:00 in the 200 and to do so you will need to get into really good shape and have excellent technique, then you need to be responsible for that part of the process. No one is keeping you from doing that.
Step Two: Investigate and Eliminate.
You are going to ask yourself a few questions so here is where the paper and pencil come in handy.
1 - Ask yourself what it is you want. Write it down...sub 2 minutes for the 200.
2 - Ask, why I want this. Write it down...I want this because it will qualify me for the next big meet; it will improve my chances for being on the A relay; it will help my college prospects.
3 - This one may seem counterintuitive but it is very important. Ask yourself why you do NOT want this to happen. Now you may wonder about this one...but of course I want this, why wouldn't I? Well, let's consider this for a minute...Now the coaches will expect more from me; to really get this I will have to miss some social functions and those may actually be more fun; I'm not sure I want the pressure of competing at this faster level...
The point here is that there are going to be ramifications in your current life if you actually dig in and make a change - said another way, if you set a goal, work toward it and then achieve it your life will be different and you need to be ready for that difference.
The main purpose of this second step is to find what you want and to eliminate those things that will stand in your way.
Keep in mind that the number one thing people resist is change; even if it is for the better! This is not rocket science. The way to change anything in your life: 1 - eliminate what isn't working for you and 2 - replace it with what you want.
If you know your stroke needs tuning up then simply do it...that is, work on the things you know need fixing. Ask one of us to help you. And then do it. Stop "trying" and start "doing". Even if you are only able to do it correctly for a lap or two before you get tired. Start now and work forward from this point. Think about this sentence: It takes preparation and work to make a change, large or small, but it does not take time. It may take time for anyone to notice the change but it doesn't take time to make the change.
So, get your pencil and paper out and start the process.
Last week we shared what we are doing with our team at the beginning of goal setting. This is the second installment of the process. It involves some personal thought and a bit of "homework" in that ideas and objectives need to be written down. We ask our swimmers to take their time with this process. We want their responses eventually but we are not pressuring them for their ideas. At some point we will declare we need everyone to turn in to us their work; however we feel it is important for them to take time to really think about their goals and the corresponding commitment to them. What follows is our handout from last week. Let us know what you think!
Goal Setting Process
This is not the only way to work when setting your goals. It is, however, a proved process and we suggest you consider the steps before moving forward. You will need a paper and pencil and a little time. You can begin whenever you want, take a pause in the steps, and then return as time allows. We do know this for certain, no one in history has ever made a significant improvement - and retained it - without writing a goal down. Please, at the very least do that much.
Step One: Take Responsibility.
If you are not responsible for something you cannot change it so this is the first and most important step. For instance, if you want to break 2:00 in the 200 and to do so you will need to get into really good shape and have excellent technique, then you need to be responsible for that part of the process. No one is keeping you from doing that.
Step Two: Investigate and Eliminate.
You are going to ask yourself a few questions so here is where the paper and pencil come in handy.
1 - Ask yourself what it is you want. Write it down...sub 2 minutes for the 200.
2 - Ask, why I want this. Write it down...I want this because it will qualify me for the next big meet; it will improve my chances for being on the A relay; it will help my college prospects.
3 - This one may seem counterintuitive but it is very important. Ask yourself why you do NOT want this to happen. Now you may wonder about this one...but of course I want this, why wouldn't I? Well, let's consider this for a minute...Now the coaches will expect more from me; to really get this I will have to miss some social functions and those may actually be more fun; I'm not sure I want the pressure of competing at this faster level...
The point here is that there are going to be ramifications in your current life if you actually dig in and make a change - said another way, if you set a goal, work toward it and then achieve it your life will be different and you need to be ready for that difference.
The main purpose of this second step is to find what you want and to eliminate those things that will stand in your way.
Keep in mind that the number one thing people resist is change; even if it is for the better! This is not rocket science. The way to change anything in your life: 1 - eliminate what isn't working for you and 2 - replace it with what you want.
If you know your stroke needs tuning up then simply do it...that is, work on the things you know need fixing. Ask one of us to help you. And then do it. Stop "trying" and start "doing". Even if you are only able to do it correctly for a lap or two before you get tired. Start now and work forward from this point. Think about this sentence: It takes preparation and work to make a change, large or small, but it does not take time. It may take time for anyone to notice the change but it doesn't take time to make the change.
So, get your pencil and paper out and start the process.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
The Beginning of Goal Setting
When we start our season we communicate directly with our team in a team meeting and follow the topic up by sending an electronic copy of our meeting notes. This way we have made every attempt to make sure each swimmer has seen and or heard our pitch. The following letter is a sample of what we are looking for in the way of feedback and information from them. You will tailor it to your individual situation to make it relevant. This letter is to our Senior team but the same could be done in a scaled down version to an age group program or high school team. Make certain that the parents are copied so they will know what you are asking for.
Even if you are a Masters swimmer or a fitness athlete this same process works. It is critical to the eventual success of your goals to begin with some sort of self diagnostic tool. Everyone wants to jump right to the goal setting part. We'll cover some specific ideas about that next week but for today see if this makes sense to you. Please feel free to comment and critique. We always want to learn!
Dear Swimmers,
As we look forward to our next season we, your coaches, are really excited about the direction of the Senior team. We had a wonderful season with virtually all members improving, some in spectacular fashion.
When we - meaning you the swimmers and us the coaches - look at the make up of our team we can pretty much see all swimmers on one of four paths. The paths look like this to us:
All 4 paths are valid and welcome on our team. Not everyone has the desire, the time or the willingness to compete in the National spotlight. That being said, for those of you who do want to see how far you can get and have all the tools necessary to get there, we want to know about it so as coaches we can help you achieve your goals. We can also help in making your goals in the pool be in sync with what you are willing and or able to put onto it. For instance, wanting to compete effectively at the National level but only training 3 or 4 times a week due to other commitments or interests would be an example of goals and commitment not being in sync. Playing another sport or taking a long vacation at an important juncture of the season would be another element in helping determine what you want to attain in swimming and needs to be considered.
We are asking you to define your intention. Which path are you currently on? To which path do you aspire? (You can ALWAYS change your intention, your declaration). Our intention is to help you achieve what you desire, to get where you want to go. This is an exercise in helping you get where you want to be. It rarely, if ever, works for us to tell you what we think you should do, especially if you are not able or willing to put in the time and effort. If you watched any of the Olympic coverage, any sport, the athletes you saw got there because they wanted it. It is ultimately not possible to achieve someone else's goals for you. It is always possible to achieve yours.
Every single swimmer on our team is important to us; we mean EVERY swimmer. Our task, indeed our mission in life, is to assist you in reaching your declared level of aspiration. It is really that simple.
So please tell us, which path are you currently on?
If you have greater aspirations, a different path, tell us that as well.
We honor all swimmers.
Even if you are a Masters swimmer or a fitness athlete this same process works. It is critical to the eventual success of your goals to begin with some sort of self diagnostic tool. Everyone wants to jump right to the goal setting part. We'll cover some specific ideas about that next week but for today see if this makes sense to you. Please feel free to comment and critique. We always want to learn!
Dear Swimmers,
As we look forward to our next season we, your coaches, are really excited about the direction of the Senior team. We had a wonderful season with virtually all members improving, some in spectacular fashion.
When we - meaning you the swimmers and us the coaches - look at the make up of our team we can pretty much see all swimmers on one of four paths. The paths look like this to us:
- Path 1 = Competing effectively at the National level
- Path 2 = Qualifying for National meets while competing effectively at the Sectional level
- Path 3 = Qualifying for Sectionals and learning to be comfortable at that level
- Path 4 = Swimming effectively at the high school level as well as competing at Senior Meets while working on Sectional qualifying
All 4 paths are valid and welcome on our team. Not everyone has the desire, the time or the willingness to compete in the National spotlight. That being said, for those of you who do want to see how far you can get and have all the tools necessary to get there, we want to know about it so as coaches we can help you achieve your goals. We can also help in making your goals in the pool be in sync with what you are willing and or able to put onto it. For instance, wanting to compete effectively at the National level but only training 3 or 4 times a week due to other commitments or interests would be an example of goals and commitment not being in sync. Playing another sport or taking a long vacation at an important juncture of the season would be another element in helping determine what you want to attain in swimming and needs to be considered.
We are asking you to define your intention. Which path are you currently on? To which path do you aspire? (You can ALWAYS change your intention, your declaration). Our intention is to help you achieve what you desire, to get where you want to go. This is an exercise in helping you get where you want to be. It rarely, if ever, works for us to tell you what we think you should do, especially if you are not able or willing to put in the time and effort. If you watched any of the Olympic coverage, any sport, the athletes you saw got there because they wanted it. It is ultimately not possible to achieve someone else's goals for you. It is always possible to achieve yours.
Every single swimmer on our team is important to us; we mean EVERY swimmer. Our task, indeed our mission in life, is to assist you in reaching your declared level of aspiration. It is really that simple.
So please tell us, which path are you currently on?
If you have greater aspirations, a different path, tell us that as well.
We honor all swimmers.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
The Swim Season Begins Again: Focus on Snorkeling and Sculling
For many swimmers and coaches this is the time of year for a new beginning. High school seasons in the fall as well as all the college programs and most of the US Swimming teams are beginning training again. Our team is no different than yours. We began last Monday, the 25th of August. As we start it is a chance to put all of the past behind us and begin anew. This is the natural opportunity to look forward uncluttered by what has been happening. Even if there is only a two or three week break somehow it symbolizes exactly the kind of separation needed for a fresh start.
We will have a discussion next week about goals but right now we'd like to focus on two things we are developing this season: snorkel use and sculling. You have probably used a snorkel already; we certainly have. Likewise with sculling you have probably used it to some extent already; we too have done so. What is different for us this year is a commitment to making it a larger part of our training program.
When you use a snorkel you take the distraction of the head turn or head lift out of the equation. All of your focus can be directed towards implementing technique that pulls and pushes the body forward, never needing to compensate for the breath. Flyers and breaststrokers keep your ears in the water. Backstrokers get a pass here! - Although some of our kids have fooled around with turning the snorkel such that they can actually swim on their backs with it; crazy but true. There are tons of drills using the snorkel. We do sets of repeats, sometimes with drills and others just normal swimming. And at this time of year we regroup on our technique and do not worry about the amount of yardage, just the quality of what we do.
Then at the same time we are doing this we add in sculling - lots of it. Think of the power those synchronized swimmers need to develop in their hands, wrists, forearms and shoulders to be able to do what they do. They seem to be sculling all the time! We scull with the hands out in front, down under the torso and back at the thighs. We do laps using all three positions. We work on relaxing the neck, allowing the head to rest in the water. This is where the snorkel is invaluable. We look for a long flat spine. We tighten the transverse abdominals, activate the glutes and hamstrings, put the heels and toes together (make sure you point the toes) and drag a long flat needle of a body behind the power of the scull. Start with widths of the pool if you need to, then progress to lengths, then to repeats of 25's working your way up from there. You won't get as many yards as regular swimming. You will get swimmers with elevated heart rates and strong wrists and forearms that have feel for the water and strength to catch it. They will also have an increased awareness of the need for proper body position and the value of it as it translates to the full stroke.
Many of you out there have numerous drills and technique items you are using effectively today. Why not share your knowledge with the greater swimming community? Drop us a line! See you at the pool, maybe tomorrow?!
We will have a discussion next week about goals but right now we'd like to focus on two things we are developing this season: snorkel use and sculling. You have probably used a snorkel already; we certainly have. Likewise with sculling you have probably used it to some extent already; we too have done so. What is different for us this year is a commitment to making it a larger part of our training program.
When you use a snorkel you take the distraction of the head turn or head lift out of the equation. All of your focus can be directed towards implementing technique that pulls and pushes the body forward, never needing to compensate for the breath. Flyers and breaststrokers keep your ears in the water. Backstrokers get a pass here! - Although some of our kids have fooled around with turning the snorkel such that they can actually swim on their backs with it; crazy but true. There are tons of drills using the snorkel. We do sets of repeats, sometimes with drills and others just normal swimming. And at this time of year we regroup on our technique and do not worry about the amount of yardage, just the quality of what we do.
Then at the same time we are doing this we add in sculling - lots of it. Think of the power those synchronized swimmers need to develop in their hands, wrists, forearms and shoulders to be able to do what they do. They seem to be sculling all the time! We scull with the hands out in front, down under the torso and back at the thighs. We do laps using all three positions. We work on relaxing the neck, allowing the head to rest in the water. This is where the snorkel is invaluable. We look for a long flat spine. We tighten the transverse abdominals, activate the glutes and hamstrings, put the heels and toes together (make sure you point the toes) and drag a long flat needle of a body behind the power of the scull. Start with widths of the pool if you need to, then progress to lengths, then to repeats of 25's working your way up from there. You won't get as many yards as regular swimming. You will get swimmers with elevated heart rates and strong wrists and forearms that have feel for the water and strength to catch it. They will also have an increased awareness of the need for proper body position and the value of it as it translates to the full stroke.
Many of you out there have numerous drills and technique items you are using effectively today. Why not share your knowledge with the greater swimming community? Drop us a line! See you at the pool, maybe tomorrow?!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Older, Tougher, Smarter
That was the headline on the front page of the San Francisco Chronicle Friday, August 22, 2008. We encourage everyone to read Julian Guthrie's article. Guthrie points to the many achievements of some of the older Olympians in Beijing. Dara Torres is our sports poster woman this year for this subject. The article explains that many of our swimmers are older. Why do you think that is so?
One major factor is the money involved. It is entirely possible for a swimmer who has international experience to earn $50,000 or more in cash and sponsorships which allow him/her to continue training past college. Michael Phelps is in a different league as is probably Torres and Natalie Coughlin. We have no direct knowledge of any of their individual sponsorship deals. However, when the new LZR Speedo suit costs about $500 retail and you figure how many thousands of young swimmers are already using it you can do the math and see how it is possible for the top end swimmers to make serious money. But even the second tier swimmers, ones with Olympic exposure who do not have a medal can cash in. We think it is a good thing that swimmers can pursue their dreams while in their mid to late twenties, and into their 30's and beyond. Jason Lezak anchored the Gold Medal Men's 400 Free Relay. He is 32! The point here is that very few athletes are at their peak right out of college at 22 years of age. Michael Jordan certainly wasn't; nor was Tiger Woods.
What is of equal interest to us is that the Chronicle article discusses the additional benefits of staying physically active. Simon Melov of the Buck Institute for Age Research in Novato, CA says, "Exercise doesn't just make the muscles stronger, it makes them younger." Fascinating, encouraging and inspiring all at the same time!
Dr. Karen Francis, a behavioral neuroscientist at USF and author of "Physical Dimensions of Aging", talks about the need to challenge both our mind and body daily. Several tips are offered in the same article.
We could take this into the pool so very easily. Try breathing on the left for a lap and the right on the next lap. When you do a flip turn keep looking at the same side of the pool at each end as you push off. This will necessitate you turning both ways. Park a little farther from the pool so that you get a few extra minutes walk before your swim. The list is endless.
The overall point for us in this process is that the Beijing Olympics did a lot more than excite us. They have already improved our coaching through the sheer power of inspiration. How about you? Let us know what you learned so that we can share your knowledge with the world. We all benefit!
One major factor is the money involved. It is entirely possible for a swimmer who has international experience to earn $50,000 or more in cash and sponsorships which allow him/her to continue training past college. Michael Phelps is in a different league as is probably Torres and Natalie Coughlin. We have no direct knowledge of any of their individual sponsorship deals. However, when the new LZR Speedo suit costs about $500 retail and you figure how many thousands of young swimmers are already using it you can do the math and see how it is possible for the top end swimmers to make serious money. But even the second tier swimmers, ones with Olympic exposure who do not have a medal can cash in. We think it is a good thing that swimmers can pursue their dreams while in their mid to late twenties, and into their 30's and beyond. Jason Lezak anchored the Gold Medal Men's 400 Free Relay. He is 32! The point here is that very few athletes are at their peak right out of college at 22 years of age. Michael Jordan certainly wasn't; nor was Tiger Woods.
What is of equal interest to us is that the Chronicle article discusses the additional benefits of staying physically active. Simon Melov of the Buck Institute for Age Research in Novato, CA says, "Exercise doesn't just make the muscles stronger, it makes them younger." Fascinating, encouraging and inspiring all at the same time!
Dr. Karen Francis, a behavioral neuroscientist at USF and author of "Physical Dimensions of Aging", talks about the need to challenge both our mind and body daily. Several tips are offered in the same article.
We could take this into the pool so very easily. Try breathing on the left for a lap and the right on the next lap. When you do a flip turn keep looking at the same side of the pool at each end as you push off. This will necessitate you turning both ways. Park a little farther from the pool so that you get a few extra minutes walk before your swim. The list is endless.
The overall point for us in this process is that the Beijing Olympics did a lot more than excite us. They have already improved our coaching through the sheer power of inspiration. How about you? Let us know what you learned so that we can share your knowledge with the world. We all benefit!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
What Does It All Mean?
I (Don Swartz) am a big believer in quantum physics. To simplify, we get from life what we expect to get based upon our belief system. I got turned on to the concept in the early 1970's when reading a book by Gary Zukav entitled "The Dancing Wu Li Masters". Most recently I have read an enchanting and very helpful book by Natalie Reid, "The 5 Steps to a Quantum Life".
As a coach I continue to pursue excellence professionally while simultaneously encouraging our swimmers to do the same. My wife posed an interesting question this week as we watched the swimming coverage of the Olympic Games on NBC.
"If all the swimmers are preparing for the race and all believe that he/she will prevail why do some do so and others not?" The question took on an even more intriguing dimension as Michael Phelps pursued one Gold Medal after another. When you look at the finish of the men's 100 meter butterfly - Phelps winning by .01 second - you wonder if he had a greater commitment to the goal than the other swimmer. If you look at the finish of that race under water you will see a frantic but well timed final short stroke by Phelps while the other swimmer reached for the wall and glided in to the touch pad - with his head up of all things!
Such is life. At some point, I believe, we do actually will ourselves to a place or an accomplishment that we really want. And by the same token, if we wish but do not actually believe then we usually get what we believe, not that for which we wish, but do not believe.
All this drama on the TV is good for our imaginations. We have several swimmers on our team who have Olympic talent. As coaches we keep steering them in that direction. If today, for instance, a swimmer is 22 seconds from a possible Gold Medal in London in 2012, we can chart a course for that improvement over the next 4 years. Today it may seem wishful thinking but not real belief that in 4 years it could be realized. However, if broken down into smaller segments - say 4 seconds improvement this next year - then similar next year etc - then maybe we can get there.
I am quite certain, without actual proof, that the great inventors of all time didn't walk into the lab one given day and invent - what, the electric light bulb, the radio, the Polaroid film process. It took development over time until one day the actual final pieces fell into place.
Phelps' great achievements this week, if we are to believe his public press comments, came from much earlier in discussions with his coach Bob Bowman. They talked about dreaming at the highest level; about reaching a place no one had ever been...and then working on it daily in the pool while building the belief system to support the dream.
It All Means You Can Have Anything You Want!
As a coach I continue to pursue excellence professionally while simultaneously encouraging our swimmers to do the same. My wife posed an interesting question this week as we watched the swimming coverage of the Olympic Games on NBC.
"If all the swimmers are preparing for the race and all believe that he/she will prevail why do some do so and others not?" The question took on an even more intriguing dimension as Michael Phelps pursued one Gold Medal after another. When you look at the finish of the men's 100 meter butterfly - Phelps winning by .01 second - you wonder if he had a greater commitment to the goal than the other swimmer. If you look at the finish of that race under water you will see a frantic but well timed final short stroke by Phelps while the other swimmer reached for the wall and glided in to the touch pad - with his head up of all things!
Such is life. At some point, I believe, we do actually will ourselves to a place or an accomplishment that we really want. And by the same token, if we wish but do not actually believe then we usually get what we believe, not that for which we wish, but do not believe.
All this drama on the TV is good for our imaginations. We have several swimmers on our team who have Olympic talent. As coaches we keep steering them in that direction. If today, for instance, a swimmer is 22 seconds from a possible Gold Medal in London in 2012, we can chart a course for that improvement over the next 4 years. Today it may seem wishful thinking but not real belief that in 4 years it could be realized. However, if broken down into smaller segments - say 4 seconds improvement this next year - then similar next year etc - then maybe we can get there.
I am quite certain, without actual proof, that the great inventors of all time didn't walk into the lab one given day and invent - what, the electric light bulb, the radio, the Polaroid film process. It took development over time until one day the actual final pieces fell into place.
Phelps' great achievements this week, if we are to believe his public press comments, came from much earlier in discussions with his coach Bob Bowman. They talked about dreaming at the highest level; about reaching a place no one had ever been...and then working on it daily in the pool while building the belief system to support the dream.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Together Everyone Achieves More
We have just returned from the 2008 Speedo Junior National Championships in Minneapolis which were held from August 4th-8th. We had a wonderful week of racing and growing as competitors. Our North Bay Aquatics team finished 9th in the combined men’s and women’s scoring and we are taking a small amount of space this week to be grateful for our swimmers’ success. In the 400 Free Relays our Men finished 3rd and our Women finished 5th. This is a significant step forward for our team from last year and as coaches we are very proud of our team!
At the meet there were many T- Shirts walking the deck and we thought you’d enjoy a sample of what we saw. We think that 3 to 5 words are about the right number but what do we know? Anyway, for your reading pleasure this week we offer the following…and if you have a favorite we’d love to hear about it! We will add here that some of these saying/quotes were attributed to certain people. We have omitted their names here simply because we cannot verify the authenticity of each statement…have some fun with this!
Together
Everyone
Achieves
More
Choose
Embrace
Achieve
You can’t put a limit on anything, the more you dream the farther you get
Building character one length at a time
Committed to excellence
We stand the test of time
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then is not an act, it is a habit
Beware to lollipop of mediocrity, one lick and you’ll suck forever
My element is water, my weapon is my body, my world is swimming
Quality not quantity
Respect all, fear none
Success comes through hard work
Coaching 4 life
Want to come in 2nd? Follow me
Pride
The harder you work the harder it is to surrender
We believe in creating the wave, not riding it
We’re not here to mess around, in fact, we’re all in
Rev- it – up
Presence is more than just being there
Simply swimming
Someone may beat me but they are going to have to bleed to do it
Losers let it happen, Winners make it happen
Dream – Believe – Achieve
In the heat of battle we’re on fire
Well oiled machine
Motivation is what gets you going, habit is what keeps you going
Ludicrous speed
One team, one goal
The will to win is important, but the will to prepare is vital
Making it happen
No time outs, no substitutions, it’s now or never
At the meet there were many T- Shirts walking the deck and we thought you’d enjoy a sample of what we saw. We think that 3 to 5 words are about the right number but what do we know? Anyway, for your reading pleasure this week we offer the following…and if you have a favorite we’d love to hear about it! We will add here that some of these saying/quotes were attributed to certain people. We have omitted their names here simply because we cannot verify the authenticity of each statement…have some fun with this!
Together
Everyone
Achieves
More
Choose
Embrace
Achieve
You can’t put a limit on anything, the more you dream the farther you get
Building character one length at a time
Committed to excellence
We stand the test of time
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then is not an act, it is a habit
Beware to lollipop of mediocrity, one lick and you’ll suck forever
My element is water, my weapon is my body, my world is swimming
Quality not quantity
Respect all, fear none
Success comes through hard work
Coaching 4 life
Want to come in 2nd? Follow me
Pride
The harder you work the harder it is to surrender
We believe in creating the wave, not riding it
We’re not here to mess around, in fact, we’re all in
Rev- it – up
Presence is more than just being there
Simply swimming
Someone may beat me but they are going to have to bleed to do it
Losers let it happen, Winners make it happen
Dream – Believe – Achieve
In the heat of battle we’re on fire
Well oiled machine
Motivation is what gets you going, habit is what keeps you going
Ludicrous speed
One team, one goal
The will to win is important, but the will to prepare is vital
Making it happen
No time outs, no substitutions, it’s now or never
Sunday, August 3, 2008
You Are What You Eat (Do You Know What It Is?)
In 5 days the Games begin, literally and figuratively, in Beijing, China.
The Games of course mean the Olympic Games themselves. The "figuratively" part we refer to here is the never-ending contest between the agencies charged with catching the cheaters and the users and abusers of chemical aids to enhanced sport performance. Track and field along with weight lifting have generally garnered their fare share of the headlines. This summer swimming was briefly thrust into the spotlight with the positive test of Jessica Hardy. Hardy has withdrawn from the team, meaning she will not contest the positive test at this time. We only know what we read in the papers and have no more information than do you. This makes us reluctant to postulate on the details of her specific situation.
With Jessica Hardy having tested positive for Clenbuterol and linked to Advocare this is a good time to take a moment and read this important message on supplements from Bill Krumm and US Swimming. What may or may not be in supplements can be surprising.
The message from the USADA is:
"The use of nutritional or dietary supplements is completely at the athlete's own risk - even if the supplements label says 'approved' or 'verified.' USADA's drug reference resources DO NOT provide information about dietary supplements."
For those of you who are curious for more information about this whole subject we include the following links. It is sad but true that much of the coverage will focus on this subject. But then again, there are 23 hours of coverage daily and they need to sell advertising and negative news sells...so be prepared!
USDA Test Alert Card
USADA Doping Control Process
Drug Reference Online
A final thought today...much as when you read about some well conceived plan to defraud a group of investors, or even a high tech crime spree, when you read about an athlete who has tested positive for a banned substance - a substance that is already on a published list - do you ever wonder how fast the athlete might have been if they put as much effort into his/her training and total race preparation as she/he put into finding and trying and then masking the substance?
Your comments please...
The Games of course mean the Olympic Games themselves. The "figuratively" part we refer to here is the never-ending contest between the agencies charged with catching the cheaters and the users and abusers of chemical aids to enhanced sport performance. Track and field along with weight lifting have generally garnered their fare share of the headlines. This summer swimming was briefly thrust into the spotlight with the positive test of Jessica Hardy. Hardy has withdrawn from the team, meaning she will not contest the positive test at this time. We only know what we read in the papers and have no more information than do you. This makes us reluctant to postulate on the details of her specific situation.
With Jessica Hardy having tested positive for Clenbuterol and linked to Advocare this is a good time to take a moment and read this important message on supplements from Bill Krumm and US Swimming. What may or may not be in supplements can be surprising.
The message from the USADA is:
"The use of nutritional or dietary supplements is completely at the athlete's own risk - even if the supplements label says 'approved' or 'verified.' USADA's drug reference resources DO NOT provide information about dietary supplements."
For those of you who are curious for more information about this whole subject we include the following links. It is sad but true that much of the coverage will focus on this subject. But then again, there are 23 hours of coverage daily and they need to sell advertising and negative news sells...so be prepared!
USDA Test Alert Card
USADA Doping Control Process
Drug Reference Online
A final thought today...much as when you read about some well conceived plan to defraud a group of investors, or even a high tech crime spree, when you read about an athlete who has tested positive for a banned substance - a substance that is already on a published list - do you ever wonder how fast the athlete might have been if they put as much effort into his/her training and total race preparation as she/he put into finding and trying and then masking the substance?
Your comments please...
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Three Times 8 = ?
The answer today is 8-8-08, the day the Olympics begin in Beijing, China.
Swimmer Jessica Hardy apparently will not be on the US Team as it makes its way to training in Singapore prior to its final stop at the Olympic Village. Hardy has tested positive for Clenbuterol. News stories are running rampant from the main stream media as well as the swimming related sites. Swimming World Magazine broke the story earlier this week.
Time will tell if Hardy, as she is claiming, is innocent. And we prefer to leave that part of the discussion to others. Our interest in this story goes down a slightly different path.
At what price is glory justified? We have no pat answer but we think about it constantly. As coaches we are always asking athletes to think hard about the choices they make. How do they use their time; what activities support their dreams; are they making the best possible decisions on a daily basis?
Some times our society puts such an emphasis on winning that the pressures on athletes become enormous. We wonder about the costs.
The great football (soccer) manager Bill Shankly had a quote for the ages that rushed to mind when the Hardy story broke.
'Some people believe football is a matter of life and death.
I'm very disappointed with that attitude.
I can assure you it is much, much more important than that.'
Swimmer Jessica Hardy apparently will not be on the US Team as it makes its way to training in Singapore prior to its final stop at the Olympic Village. Hardy has tested positive for Clenbuterol. News stories are running rampant from the main stream media as well as the swimming related sites. Swimming World Magazine broke the story earlier this week.
Time will tell if Hardy, as she is claiming, is innocent. And we prefer to leave that part of the discussion to others. Our interest in this story goes down a slightly different path.
At what price is glory justified? We have no pat answer but we think about it constantly. As coaches we are always asking athletes to think hard about the choices they make. How do they use their time; what activities support their dreams; are they making the best possible decisions on a daily basis?
Some times our society puts such an emphasis on winning that the pressures on athletes become enormous. We wonder about the costs.
The great football (soccer) manager Bill Shankly had a quote for the ages that rushed to mind when the Hardy story broke.
'Some people believe football is a matter of life and death.
I'm very disappointed with that attitude.
I can assure you it is much, much more important than that.'
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