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Thoughts on Training

OK… No nonsense here – just some thoughts on training pertaining to what I’ve been reading lately and how I train my teams (swimming, track, and many others). No particular order, but the pieces do fit:

A. Training regularly, systematically, and progressively are keys to obtaining the desired goals of training (better competitive performances!!).

B. The real effectiveness of training depends to a large extent on the quality of distances covered (or movements performed) at high velocities.

C. Training intensity is directly proportional to your competitive results.

D. Double practices can benefit several fitness factors, and optimal recovery is required to reap these benefits.

E. Train as hard as possible, as often as possible, while staying as “fresh” as possible.

F. You must develop neuromuscular capacity to improve maximal speed; maximal speed being an important predictor of both sprint AND endurance performances.

G. Greater speed depends on greater force production, quicker force production, and improved stability and coordination. These attributes are not developed in a day or a week, but over the course of seasons and years.

• by John Coffman, FasterSwimming.com Contributing Writer and writer/coordinator of the Faster Swimming Weekly Dryland Workouts