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Post by keithmcq on Aug 25, 2014 19:48:14 GMT
Anyone know any decent coaches/places to get one-to-one swim lessons? Group sessions have been great but I really need a couple of technique focused sessions.
Cheers
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Post by helenhh on Aug 31, 2014 8:01:57 GMT
I went down to Portarlington to Anthony Christie from swimanalysis.ie/ a few months ago. It wasn't cheap but it has helped me hugely. I still have a long way to do but I "get it" now whereas before I was just doing so many things wrong. I'll probably go back for a follow up in October and then really focus on technique in winter, when I'm not too worried about maintaining my endurance for the distance.
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Post by ellenmurphy on Sept 4, 2014 17:13:01 GMT
Now is definitely time of year to start thinking about working on technique so that you can make changes and improve swim further for 2015. I have gone for a swim analysis with Eanna in Base2Race. I think it was 90e for a session which is expensive. Tou do however get a dvd to bring home with you and he emails you summary of what you discussed during session and what you need to work on. He definitely has a very good eye for swim technique- but to really benefit you also need to have discipline & patience to do the drills he recommends and actually make changes to stroke!! I know some club members have also taken private lessons with Sinead McBreen - www.triswimmer.ie and also Rich Cattle who coaches the Terenure Swim Sessions also does one to one lessons on a Fri evening. I havent attended either of these but am sure others can give you feedback. Ideally you would also grab any opportunity to get more underwater video analyis after a couple of months to see if changes taking effect. We got some video analysis with club at NS camp with Eamon Tilley and also at Brian Sweeney Templeogue Swim Sessions last year, and on the Warm Weather Camp so hopefully we can arrange some more of this in 2014/2015 also. It is amazing how different your stroke actually is when you see it, compared to what you think in your head!!! Also how many times a week do you currently swim - improving endurance over Winter will also help!
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Post by keithmcq on Sept 7, 2014 10:11:29 GMT
Thanks both,
I think that Portarlington is a bit far from me. I might try Sinead or Richard alright, Kevin K was also saying that Stephen Early might be able to give a lesson or two.
Ellen, I went to Eanna two years ago. My stroke was so bad at that point that I basically had to work on everything, although my main problem is a lack of rotation from the hips. Two years later and I still have the same problem. Have been trying a number of drills for some time now but failing to get the hang of it, which is why I think a lesson or two might help.
Your point about time in the water is spot on. I was only getting into the pool once a week. I've upped this to two times a week recently and am already starting to feel the benefits in fitness. If I can just figure out this rotation lark I reckon I might start seeing some decent gains in speed..
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Post by ellenmurphy on Sept 8, 2014 10:21:54 GMT
Stephen 'The Fish' Early is an excellent coach - would highly recommend!!! I imagine he will tell you that you really need to swim a minimum of THREE times a week though
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Post by Mark Cannon on Sept 9, 2014 20:57:51 GMT
Hi Ellen, in relation to the Base 2 Race swim analysis does it make Amy difference that it's done in one of those smaller pools rather that a standard swimming pool (I take it it's done up in their shop?!) looking at getting some video analysis soon enough and get stuck in over winter then.
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Post by britta on Sept 10, 2014 9:04:12 GMT
same question to Ellen from myself after I have seen your post, the Base2Race analysis sounds really interesting and even though it is not the cheapest option but if it helps to improve my stroke than I'm willing to pay that money, so Ellen did help you improve ( knowing that you are already a really good swimmer anyway )
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Post by ellenmurphy on Sept 10, 2014 17:39:16 GMT
The flume is fine to swim in. It prob takes 5-10 mins to get used to, and there are mirrors on ground which can be a bit strange, but also helps you to actually see your stroke when swimming.
I found Eanna’s video analysis helpful –in my case, particularly for explaining the high elbow & drills for improving this, and this time of year is ideal to start thinking about technique improvements. You are generally with him for over an hour, so obviously you get much more individual attention than you would in a group training session. However it wasnt a single magic wand solution. I also have received great coaching from people like Kevin Keane & Stephen Early at club sessions which I would credit more for improving my swim over a longer period. I have also tried to soak up as much info as possible when attending training camps, for example I have been at the Belpark Easter Camp with Lynn Algar last three years, and found her to be an excellent swim coach. Also Jack Meade is the person who taught me to breathe bilaterally after 4 years of thinking I only neaded to breathe to one side!
However the single biggest factor in improving my swim from when I started in Belpark Beginners Lane was simply getting the weekly mileage up – I really think you have to swim consistently a minimum of three times a week to start seeing gains. There are lots of Masters Groups you can go to on a PAYG basis – Rathmines (evenings/mornings), Belvedere (every week day morning), Templelogue (Mon & Wed evening) to supplement the club sessions. I went to all of them at some stage!! I have also found that swimming has improved further since I joined UCD as a member, as I think 50m pool a big help in improving endurance and I have been swimming with faster swimmers which help push you on and doing sessions with a specific Tri focus.
There are lots of people in the club who have improved their swim over last few years so am sure they can share their experiences too!!
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Post by robdagg on Sept 10, 2014 18:55:05 GMT
Ellen is spot on about mileage. If you want to see an improvement you need to swim a minimum of 3 times a week.
Sign up to the group lessons. Or if the times dont suit, find a master class that does. Dont be intimidated that you might not be quick enough or whatever. They generally cater for different levels. Call in when it is on someday and chat to them if your not sure.
Video analysis can be great in tandem with a good coach pointing out the flaws but its not going to give you food technique straight away. Lessons would be a much better use of your money. Fix the big stuff first.
Structure your swims - If you are happy you can cover the distance then forget getting just getting in and swimming 2k or whatever without a break. Break it up into sets. 50s as 25 drill 25 swim/ 100s. Drills drills drills.
Use some aids like pull buoys/paddles/fins/kickboards/ankle band(or bike tube if you want to save a few quid) and read up on using them correctly.
Volume. Coaching.
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