Dear Coach: You have
often told me not to use a board for backstroke kick. However, we recently
did a warm up where you said that we had to use the equipment on all the kick
for the board to end up at the right end. Now I'm confused! Confused
Swimmer
Dear C. Swimmer: While it is better to do
backstroke kick without a board, it is sometimes necessary to use the board so
that your kick board is not stranded on the bulkhead! In that case, hold
the kick board so that it is completely out of the water, either above your head
or at your side. Ask your coach to demonstrate!
Dear Coach: I've just
started cross-country skiing again and wanted to let you know that all the fly
training I've done over the past few months seems to have really helped my
double poling! Avid Skier
Dear A. Skier: Thought I'd pass this along as
others might find this interesting. Note that you will find that you also
use the triceps a lot on free and back.
Dear Coach: Are hand paddles
a good idea or not? What size/style is best to use? A
Paddler
Dear A. Paddler: Hand paddles are a good aid
for stroke technique, provided that you have no shoulder injuries or
instabilities. If you are using paddles and experience any shoulder pain,
take them off immediately! Even if you have super healthy / strong
shoulders, use paddles in moderation. As for style or size, there is lots
of choice out there, but err on the side of caution (small vs
large)!
Dear Coach: Is the distance
(1500 or 800) supposed to be done all front crawl or can it be any stroke?
Time Trialer
Dear T. Trialer: The goal is to do your
fastest possible time. For most people this will be front crawl, but any
stroke (or mixture of strokes) is permitted.
Dear Coach: Why do some
swimmers do only 800m instead of 1500m for the time trial? Distance
Swimmer
Dear D. Swimmer: Most groups have workouts
that are an hour long. Given a 20min warm up and a few minutes to get
organized (and cool down at the end), that leaves about 35min. Thus, those
who would take longer than 35min to do a 1500, swim 800m instead.
Dear Coach: I can never
decide which lane is best for me. In one lane I find it quite easy, but in
the next one up it is sometimes too much of a challenge. What do you
recommend? In Between Swimmer
Dear I.B. Swimmer: It's often good to
challenge yourself by moving up a lane. However, if you are skipping so
many lengths that you are swimming less than your usual lane, then it's a bit
too much for you. You can always try moving up a lane on the days when the
theme suits your strengths, and moving back down on days when you find the
workout more difficult.
Private and Semi-Private
Masters Swim Lessons
