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March 21, 2008
Swimming Question
Okay all your swimmers - I have a question. If you were going to design a pretty short (1500-3000 yds) set that was focused on drill/technique work, what would it look like? All drills? Mostly drills with some swimming? Any examples? Thanks guys!
Posted by beth at March 21, 2008 3:43 PM
Comments
Beth:
I try to follow drill with "perfect swimming" to practice on what I just drilled.
I tend to do these as 50s, so drill down and "perfect swim" back. I generally don't worry too much about the interval. I swim them controlled enough that I don't need much rest, but I usually take about 10-15 seconds.
My drill sets are usually pretty short, something like 10 x 50, so only 500 yards, but you could do it as 15 x 100 with the first 25 drill and the following 75 perfect swim.
Stronger swimmers can do longer interval drills. I've found with novices that it is harder for them to work on "thoughtful" swimming for longer intervals as it is taking more physical and mental energy.
Also, I try to do no more than 3 types of drills per practice--keeping it simpler and working on fewer things.
Another technique idea is to work on breath control, done as 100 breathe every 3rd, 100 breath every 4th, 100 breath every 5th, etc. I generally do this as a straight swim and go through breath every 7th.
I hope this helps. I'm sure this is more than you ever wanted to know about drill sets!!!
-Danielle
Posted by: Danielle at March 21, 2008 7:12 PM
P.S. Not to suggest that you are a novice swimmer (you aren't at all!!!!). Just wasn't sure if the workout was for you or for someone you were helping out.
I hope the Good Friday services went well.
-Danielle
Posted by: Danielle at March 21, 2008 7:49 PM
Beth,
I agree with Danielle...keep the sets SHORT and focus on 1 thing per drill...sometimes people (not sure who this is for?) get all overwhelmed thinking about 1 million different things with swimming. So, I like things SHORT for drill workouts....for beginners 25s and 50s to 200 yards for advanced swimmers...or 400 IM drill....all drill...is this for a beginner or advanced swimmer?
Jen H.
Posted by: Jennifer Harrison at March 21, 2008 8:06 PM
Are these workouts for me and Beth just didn't tell me about it? I don't know if I need it anymore, I did actually swim five 200's right around 2:00/100yd pace the other day. :)
Posted by: O at March 22, 2008 7:53 AM
Hey Beth - I was going to say that you should probably check with Jen and Danielle... and lo and behold - there they are! I'm a big fan of the breath sets, as you know... Enjoy!
Posted by: marit c-l at March 22, 2008 2:18 PM
How about some pull/swim/drill/swim or pull/kick/drill/swim variations. Think about each part of your stroke and then put it all together.
Posted by: at March 22, 2008 3:01 PM