Freestyle Drill - Simple Catch

We worked on a simple drill for developing your freestyle stroke. Watch this brief video to familiarize yourself with the drill. Those of you at practice today can get a better view of what we're looking for. And those of you who weren't there will know what we're going to work on tomorrow.

Also, if you have fins please begin bringing them to practice. This drill (among other things) is much easier when you have fins. Thanks!

Did you know...

It's against National Federation of High School (NFHS) rules to shave at the pool prior to a meet? Why you ask? And what would happen if we did and got caught? Well ... read this article and see just how serious NFHS is about its rules.

If only I swam in a straight line!!

One of the things that most swimmers struggle with is the tendency to circle swim during races. It's totally understandable since you're conditioned to do it in practice all the time. But it definitely slows you down since your time is measured from wall to wall and not when you've completed the designated distance. Now you can see just how much of a difference circle swimming does to your times! Use this calculator to see just how fast you can be next season by doing nothing more than controlling your placement in your lane (scroll to the bottom for the circle swim calculator).

Calling all aspiring captains ... and that means YOU!!

If you're interested in being considered for captain next season or even if you don't, I recommend you take a look at this article from USA Swimming. High school sports is more than just improving your times. I hope you're also looking to improve yourselves and build your leadership abilities. Regardless of whether you're a formal captain or not this team can use all the leaders it can find. When you read the article make sure to spend a few minutes really thinking through the exercise at the end. If you leadership strengths (and all of you do) then begin to develop and strengthen them. If you have leadership weaknesses (and all of us do) then you should start to work on them. It will serve you well next season in water and throughout your lifetime!

Nutrition tips to start the season ...

Nutrition is an important life skill that you'll need not only for swimming but healthy living. Nutrition is something you should consciously think about and pro-actively manage. I strongly encourage you to read this article and talk with your parents about how you can alter your meals and snacks to make you as healthy as possible in and out of season. Then take a look at the companion article to see what you should be carrying with you in your swim bag every day.

If you're doing these stretches ... STOP NOW!!!

There are a number of generally accepted swimming stretches to help loosen up your shoulders. The problem is that recent research shows that they are actually HARMFUL to overall shoulder health. Click on this article to see what you should be doing to warm up your shoulders. We'll be working on the stretching routine in this article throughout the year so the sooner you become familiar with it the better ...

Strengthening your ankles ... and your kick!!

Here's a simple five-minute stretching routine that will help you increase strength and flexibility in your ankles. Increased flexibility will improve the power of your kicks ... giving you an advantage over the competition!

Carbs aren't all bad ... try eating some fruit!!

Check out this article from USA Swimming on proper nutrition. Contrary to popular belief carbs are good for you. The trick is eating the "right" carbs and having balanced nutrition. Eating fruits and vegetables is not only good for your health but will provide you with lots of useful energy!!

Nutrition Hint ... Stay Away From Soda!!

This article discusses why drinking soda may not be such a good idea if you want to be successful in the pool. Maybe you should consider giving up soda during the season in support of your teammates.