The following ideas might seem basic, but they work for improving swimming performance. Regardless of whether you are a coach who is just starting out or one who already has many years of experience. Sometimes the smallest of details can make the difference between success and failure.
10 Ideas for Improving Swimming Performance in the New Year
- Each swimmer is different and has their own individual characteristics. Not all are the same and they all respond differently to the same training methods. They all have a different stamina threshold, respond differently to the same warm-up session and need not necessarily reach optimum performance levels at the same time. Some are capable of swimming long distances seemingly without effort, while others are more suited to sprints or less intense activity. Regardless of the type of swimmers you have, you should treat each one of them individually while considering their own strengths and weaknesses.
- When you decide to increase the training load, especially with young athletes, avoid doing so indiscriminately; it is better and more successful to maintain similar and appropriate stimuli for 3 to 5 weeks before introducing significant changes to the training system. Increasing the load frequently and without thinking properly can lead to imbalances in training, a performance reduction and, in certain circumstances, can jeopardize their energy levels.
- You have trained hard, your body needs to recover and needs you to listen to it and pay complete attention. It needs you to realize that indiscriminate exertion without the necessary rest will harm both your performance and your health. The same can be said of optimum recovery from injury or chronic illness in a swimmer, which should always be overseen by the right professionals. At times, it is simply best to hold back from training. At others, it is best to drastically reduce the workload to ‘tick over’ levels because the recovery period could be adversely affected if we push too hard.
- Realize that success is not achieved without a lot of hard work and effort. You need to forge a strong bond if you want to stand beside the best. This bond can be forged through selfless commitment from every member of the team, with the certainty that uncontrolled individualism from any of them will prevent you from reaching your ultimate goal.
- In spite of the drawbacks that may arise, never stop trying and never give up in the face of adversity. Use your talent and persevere with your goals; for victory may be waiting for you around the next corner.
- If you lack the right resources and infrastructure for your training, never be discouraged. Do your best to create an ideal working and competitive environment for practicing, one that inspires unity, passion and solidarity.
- Training should stimulate and, although some exercises can be long and tedious at times, if you are clear on the objective for the session, it is possible for the swimmer to understand they are making progress, which can be exciting and enhance their motivation.
- It is good to understand that the performance of an athlete is not always the same. Many experiences ups and downs in swimming performance. There are many paths to success and that, if we want to progress adequately, we should be consistent and flexible.
- Enjoying good facilities, training with a good team and having a group of passionate and excited swimmers is key to obtaining good results, but is not always a guarantee for swimming performance improvement. Sometimes, when you are alone and lacking resources, when endless obstacles stand in your way, destiny is fair and will lend you a hand – right when you most need it, as if it wanted to be by your side and somehow compensate your effort and bravery.
- Glory is fickle. Sometimes those with the most ability do not improve their swimming performance and triumph. We almost always see those who want most to succeed.
Always believe in the impossible, climb that hill, with the generosity of a dreamer and the inner strength of someone who considers themselves invincible. Always remember that in life, just like in sport, those who show courage are those who triumph. If you close your eyes and visualize the horizon, you will see how your projects come true; use your mind and listen to your heart, make them adopt your goals and they will help you win future battles. Follow these 10 tips and improve your swimming performance for the New Year!
Written by Agustín Artiles (“Champi”). Agustín has more than 35 years of experience as the Head Coach of some of the most important Spanish swimming teams He has been the Coach of the Spanish Swimming Team from 2008 to 2012, and has trained the 50 breastroke Spanish national recordman, Hector Monteagudo Espinosa, from 2002 to 2013 Agustín has also trained several international swimmers from the Spanish National Team and from the european and world top ten, as well as paraolimpics athletes with medals and world records in all the different categories. He has also been accomplished with the award as the Best competition swimming coach in Spain 2006, as several recognition for professional merits.