Tag: Breakout

Streamline Sticks

Posted on by rdwoodruff

Ryan Woodruff
Here’s a look at one of my favorite homemade training aids:

To make your own Streamline Sticks:
1. Cut a piece of 1″ PVC tubing to match the width of your lanes.
2. Thread a piece of 1/8″ diameter rope through the PVC, leaving about 1′ of rope hanging out either way.
3. Tie a 1-pound weight (SCUBA weights work well) to each end of the rope. These weights will drape over the lane lines to hold the Streamline Stick in place.
4. You are ready! Position them on the lane ropes (put a traffic cone on the pool bottom so that swimmers can judge the Stick’s location) and away you go!

Twenty Ways to Do 20 x 25 – #1

Posted on by rdwoodruff

Ryan Woodruff, North Carolina Aquatic Club
coachryan@ncacswim.org

Every set has a different purpose.

SET #1 – Improving Attention to Underwater Kicks

This set could be done backstroke, butterfly, freestyle, or any combination thereof, but stick with one stroke for at least 10×25.

1-10 @ :30
11-20 @ :20

#1 >1 dolphin kick off the wall
#2 >2 dolphin kicks off the wall
…
#10 >10 dolphin kicks off the wall
repeat for second set of ten on a faster interval.

Always make the breakout cycle aggressive to avoid sloppiness.

Feel the Pressure

Posted on by rdwoodruff

Ryan Woodruff

As depth increases, so does water pressure.  Having a feel for the subtle changes in water pressure can help a swimmer (particularly in fly and free) time the breakout stroke for maximum efficiency.  This set is designed to help a swimmer “feel the surface” from underneath for better breakouts.

6 x 50 @ 1:00 with Stretch-Cordz Long Belt Slider

Swimmers are partnered up.  One person in the water, one on deck pulling them in with the cords.
1st 25 is always steady swim against resistance
#1 and #2 – Active streamline glide (no breath) at ~ 3 feet depth
#3 and #4 – Active streamline glide (no breath) at ~2 feet depth
#5 and #6 – Active streamline glide (no breath) at ~1 foot depth
Rotate partner positions so that each performs set

Swimmers should be encouraged to feel the upward “suck” of the surface as they approach the 1-foot depth.  Noticing this feeling in a racing situation aids in breaking out at the proper depth.

3 x 50 @ 1:00 with Stretch-Cordz Long Belt Slider

Swimmers are partnered up same as before.
1st 25 is always steady swim against resistance
2nd 25 Perform 3+ one-cycle breakouts, diving back under the surface into a streamline each time.  Practice breaking out “on plane” each time.
Rotate partner positions so that each performs set

10 x 25 @ :30

Perform 4+ streamlined dolphin kicks, one breakout cycle, and then dive under the surface and repeat as many times as possible each 25.