Welcome to The Third 50!
In this Second Episode, Wayne and Glenn discuss the importance of underwater kicking! Under-water kicking - "Dolphins" are vital - they are essential for fast swimming. The question is - how can you coach swimmers to develop a "deadly" Dolphin????? We look at some outstanding examples of underwater kickers and talk about training and coaching techniques to integrate super fast "dolphins" into your practices.
Three Takeaways:
- Learning and mastering underwater kicking - "Underwater-Dolphins"- is so important that it is rightly referred to as the "FIFTH STROKE". Thinking of it as the fifth stroke elevates its importance in your coaching program to the same level as butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle.
- There's no "one-size-fits-all" model when it comes to underwater kicking. The golden rule here is "It's faster if it's faster." Swimmers should stay underwater and doing their "dolphins" IF - they are faster underwater than they are when they are swimming on the surface.
- Remember the TEACH, TRAIN, TEST process for underwater kicking. Teach the skill. Train the skill. Then importantly, Test the skill under competition conditions. Teach swimmers to kick efficiently and effectively underwater. Train them to perform their underwater kicking at target race speed. Then find a Meet where you can test and assess their ability to perform their underwater kick when and where it matters....in competition.
Why The Third 50?
Because it's the third 50 of a 200 that matters. (We could have called this The Third 100 because it's the same principle!)
The 1st 50 is fast because you're fresh and fired up, ready to race.
The 2nd 50 flows because you're trying to relax and keep it smooth.
The 4th 50 is about fighting and staying strong to the finish.
But the 3rd 50 is where the magic happens. It's where the integration of your mind and body, your skills and technique, your stroke mechanics and your hard training all come together.
The 3rd 50 is the "championship" lap, where the great swimmers take control of themselves and the race and power away to victory.
We want to share our almost 80 years of experience with coaches, swimming teachers, swimmers, triathletes, and people who love being in and around the water worldwide.
Who Are Wayne and Glenn?
Wayne Goldsmith is an Australian coach, mentor, writer, speaker, and presenter. He's worked in swimming for more than 30 years and is an internationally respected sports performance professional. He's been recognized for his contribution to the sport of swimming with the Outstanding Contribution to Swimming in Australia Award and been recently received the Al Schoenfield award from the International Swimming Hall of Fame.
Glenn Mills is an American coach, writer, and video producer. He's been involved in swimming for over 55 years. He's competed at every level of the sport, from winning the US Olympic Trials and NCAA Championships and even setting a few Masters World Records. For over 25 years, he's produced swimming technique content as the Co-Founder of GoSwim.tv, the Official Technique Partner with USA Swimming. He has also won the Paragon Award from the International Swimming Hall of Fame for his contribution to competitive swimming.
Video links:
- 1988 Olympics - https://youtu.be/hnjAfDaVkmY
- 50 meter underwater - https://youtu.be/QxrYJf48s-4
- Misty Hyman Race - https://youtu.be/oKAM0zyXYq4
- Misty Hyman Clinic - https://youtu.be/-fJ2Wcj5P0c
