land based training

[dad]

can i ask as a dad what the feeling is
on land based training for 13/14 year olds
to improve stroke strength
is it good or bad and is there something
he can do without going to a gym
i know some county swimmers spend 3/5 hours
a week in the gym?

[BigFish]

I'm no expert, but the way I see it we all do strength training every day. Simply standing up uses muscles to lift a fairly heavy object.

At 13/14 I seem to remember doing situps, press ups, squats, stretching, etc. None of these require a gym or any special equipment.

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David Cuthbert (www.dartes.co.uk)
news@DaveC.org.uk

[jimmy77]

I concur with exactly what Big fish states. there are some coaches that believe that junior swimmers should start some form of weight training. No way.....

At 13/14 muscles and bones have not fully developed and hence extra stresses and strains should be avoided.

In fairness some people are OK to do weights at this age but then you find that strength will then begin to compensate for style. when aged 18 everyone is more or less equal on strength states and it is the technique that wins over.

I know that the ex french olympic coach preferes all of his young swimmers to do only light body weights i.e. press ups/ sit ups etc and really working on 'core body strength'. he also likes to use a lot of elastic bungy cords work i.e. short ones about shoulder width apart - i think that you can get hold of them in this country now but you will have to search for them.

He tends to get technique perfect and let nature do its course on the strength. I truly believe this is the way forward and after coaching some of his swimmers i can see why

At the end of the day delay the onset of weight training for as long as possible (till at least 16) and try and get technique sorted out - maybe get core strength maximised as well.

Strength will come and yet technique can easily be lost.

J

[BigFish]

I have a Reebok stretch cord (from a JJB sports super store), it was actually suprisingly easy to find. They come in 3 different strengths and are extremely useful; well worth having.

Hope this helps

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David Cuthbert (www.dartes.co.uk)
news@DaveC.org.uk

[mammamedley]

Leave off weights! Most injuries from my generation are from excessive weight programes when we were too young. We found out too late.
'stretchcords' are great but start slowly until comfortable and only increase work load by 10% at a time (feeling comforatable before next 10% increase).
Gymnastic balls are great for core strength and brilliant fun for young ages. I'm sitting on one right now (keeps my back straight!).
Have fun!