Radical Changes are in Order for Swimming Strength and Conditioning Coaches!

I often get asked about the quality of strength coaches in swimming. Unfortunately, I typically have poor remarks and considerations, most pronounced at the collegiate level. This is mainly from the fact that many strength coaches forget their work is intended to complement  the conditioning component of swimming, which should occur in the pool. A true strength AND conditioning coach must complement and understand the conditioning aspect which occurs in the pool. Yet, too many strength coaches are unfamiliar with the unique demands of the sport and provide swimmers a land-based approach for improvement. I'm not saying every strength coach must have swam or competed at an elite level in swimming, but they must be willing to learn about these nuances, spend time on deck, and appreciate the conditioning aspect of the sport. Moreover, strength coaches must look outside the box and acknowledge water-based sports and land-based sports have many differences, specifically the biomechanics and the lack of out-of-water strength correlating with in-water strength.

Opposingly, many coaches, with a background in swimming, do not know enough about strength principles resulting in abstract, nonsensical exercises.Too often these coaches administer conditioning techniques with the hopes of strength gains. Unfortunately, this can contribute to overtraining, injuries, and impaired swimming motor control.

Instead, strength and conditioning coaches must understand the conditioning aspect of the sport, learn the common flaws, and common weak, or injury ridden spots in the pool and then apply their strength training philosophies. Swim coaches must learn the principles of strength training or utilize outside resources who understand the aforementioned principles. As Dr. Rushall has said, “[R]adical changes in swimming coaching are in order!”

By Dr. G. John Mullen founder of the Center of Optimal Restoration, head strength coach at Santa Clara Swim Club, creator of the Swimmer's Shoulder System, and chief editor of the Swimming Science Research Review.