The idea of a Christmas Camp versus a Christmas Break should really be a hot topic. After all, it's a pretty clear tradeoff: use the holidays to train swimmers extra hard; or give swimmers a rest and a chance to enjoy the holidays with their family. Unfortunately, it's not a hot topic. In fact, it… Continue reading Christmas Camp versus Christmas Break
Tag: overtraining
How Has Swimming Changed? Swimming in the 70s
One of the nice things about being a both a swim coach and former swimmer is that I have a perspective on swimming that was not available to me when I was a just a swimmer. Two things stand out for me as significantly different back in the 1970s as compared to now. Swimmer Longevity… Continue reading How Has Swimming Changed? Swimming in the 70s
Overtraining: One of the Perils of Training
If you've been involved in swimming for long enough you'll have seen it, or possibly even experienced it. Overtraining. At best, it usually means the end of any training for many months. At worst, it can bring on injuries and a negative attitude that can end a career. And yet despite how bad it can… Continue reading Overtraining: One of the Perils of Training
What Happens To Swimmers Over the Holidays?
I'm often asked what swimmers should do over the Christmas holidays. It's a very good question, and one that doesn't easily lead to a good answer for all levels. There are two factors at war with each other. Swimmers typically don't reach their peak until their 20s, and so there really should be no rush… Continue reading What Happens To Swimmers Over the Holidays?
Teens, Sleep Deprivation and Morning Swim Practices
I know that a lot of coaches will disagree with my message in this blog. And if they don't, they should. I'll explain why at the end. Almost every serious swim team holds many morning practices a week for their older swimmers. Usually at least 4, sometimes 5 or even 6. And they start as… Continue reading Teens, Sleep Deprivation and Morning Swim Practices
