June 2008 Swim Training Chat with Coach Kevin Koskella

author : Tri Swim Coach

comments : 0

Discussion on swimming slower, swim golf, the fist drill and shoulder pain.

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[maggyruth] I'd ask you why I get slower the more I swim, but I have the distinct feeling you'd need to watch me swim to answer that.

[Tri Swim Coach] Maybe you're trouble is that you're trying too hard to go fast, and sacrificing some technique? Have you had any lessons?

[maggyruth] I honestly don't try to go fast...fast is not a built in for me...I'm not built for speed. I know I get my elbow high, I know I can work on my rotation.

[Tri Swim Coach] Maggy, for now, work on counting your strokes- see if you can bring down your stroke count per length a bit.
 

[maggyruth] See, that's the whole swim golf thing...and I am consistent at 26-28 strokes per length.

[Tri Swim Coach] Ok, great that you're doing it, what you need to do is focus on hip rotation.
 

[maggyruth] Ok. I do try that...generally I don't remember until about 1/2 way down the pool.

[Tri Swim Coach] So, a drill that would help you is Fist drill. So just swim with your hands in fists. Focus on getting through the water without hands. Do a set of 75's, 2 lengths with fist, one without. Stretch it out on the one without fists.  Yes it is uncomfortable!   Also, make sure you're keeping your head down (looking at pool bottom) to not create drag.

[D001] Hi Coach! I have a question too. When I swim, I get a pain at the back of my shoulder. Any ideas on what might cause this? (I'm sure it's a technique thing....)

[Tri Swim Coach]

1) You could be crossing over on your pull. Try keeping your pull to the outside.

2) You could be using a buoy and/or paddles too much. This puts lots of pressure on your shoulders.

3) You could have some kind of tendinitis going on that might need therapy.

[D001]

1) I asked someone to watch if I crossed over, and he said I wasn't crossing midline - in fact he thought I might pull too far towards the outside.

2) I don't use a buoy/paddles.

3) Um, I sure hope it's not tendonitis.

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date: July 9, 2008