Eddie Reese Notes
As a coach, when do you lose people? When they don't go faster. It made me smile, but apparently U.S. kids don't like speedos -- they are really pushing "jams" for kids now.
As coaches, we train too specifically, too early with kids. We shouldn't limit the kids. Thinks that every kid in swimming should train for the Mile and the 400IM.
Also talked about the "Total Athlete Concept"
Concepts of Training
- When a person is a novice, anything will make them faster.
- Cross-training enables an athlete to improve more and improve for longer.
- As a person nears their potential, there are fewer things that are going to work
- Many elite athletes are able to get away with things relative to others, but not relative to themselves -- here he was talking about achieving 100% of one's potential.
- Over time, you get less and less bang for your buck (for my own IMC example -- one year of focused training for a 3% improvement) -- in swimming they are looking for hundredths of a percent improvement.
- We always have to be aiming beyond where we are. As we improve we must do more, we must work harder, there is no easy way.
Four Ways to Improve
- Get bigger and stronger
- Work with technique -- economy
- Work harder
- Harder workouts
He is of the opinion that the 12- to 16-year old period is fundamental for aerobic growth in elite swimmers.
When working with a small group of athletes -- say five positive things to every athlete each workout -- makes it more likely that they will listen to your corrections.
Like a few of the other swim coaches, he trains his elite athletes on a four-year cycle geared towards the Olympic trials.
He made an interesting comment that a person can be world class only training once a day -- however, they wouldn't be able to achieve their potential.
He is very keen on IM swimming for all swimmers -- builds a complete strength in the athlete.
gordo - 8 September 2001