Blog

The latest news and coaching tips from Gold Class Swimming.

Basic Mechanics of Freestyle Kick & Backstroke Kick

Basic Mechanics of Freestyle Kick & Backstroke Kick

The technique for freestyle kick and backstroke kick is based on very similar mechanical principals for each of these strokes. Key points: • The legs are extended. • Significant plantar flexion of the feet is an advantage in generating propulsion. • The leg swings...

Fastest Backstroke to Breaststroke Turn

Fastest Backstroke to Breaststroke Turn

Recently, there has been a lot of discussion about the backstroke to breaststroke turn in the individual medley.  How do you do your backstroke to breaststroke turn as a swimmer?  Is it the most effective and efficient way?  Do you know what to look for as a coach or...

How to Correct a Short Stroke in Freestyle

How to Correct a Short Stroke in Freestyle

QUESTION: Hi, in freestyle my child has a short stroke both at entry and at the end of the pull. How can this be corrected? Are there drills they can work on? Thank you Jenny ANSWER: Hi Jenny, For swimmers who short stroke at the beginning and end of their stroke I...

5 Tips For Maximising Your Pre-Race Warmup

5 Tips For Maximising Your Pre-Race Warmup

The pre-race warmup can make or break your performance on competition day. Find out the top 5 tips to maximise your pre-race warmup time to ensure you are at your optimal condition in time for your event. Know what time you need to be at the pool for warm up. Prior to...

Breaststroke Pull

Breaststroke Pull

I am in the very fortunate position of visiting many coaching programs around Australia.  These range from high performance programs to small country and metropolitan programs. During my visits, I like to take the opportunity to observe the various levels of teaching...

Teaching and Correcting Breaststroke

Teaching and Correcting Breaststroke

Jerome coaches and teaches swimming to children of various age groups and asks the following questions about breaststroke. "What I find is that there is an inconsistency in the style of breaststroke taught. Although I feel confident in the type of stroke that I want,...

Improving Starts, Turns and Finishes with SCA

Improving Starts, Turns and Finishes with SCA

Calling all swim coaches! Improve your coaching of starts, turns and finishes. Each week we receive many requests from swim coaches who would like to know what sort of content is provided in the Swim Coach Advantage program. Members are provided with: access to live...

Pre race Preparation and Instructions

Pre race Preparation and Instructions

So, what should a coach say to a junior athlete prior to a race? We have been asked many times to provide some examples of what you will get as a member of Swim Coach Advantage. This is just one example of the many different videos that are provided to members. Find...

Changing the Game in Youth Sports

Changing the Game in Youth Sports

What are the five simple words that parents can say to their children that will always motivate them? John O'Sullivan takes a look at youth sports and what motivates children to take part in sport. So why do children play sports? And why do children quit sports? How...

Fuel for Swimming Training and Competition

Fuel for Swimming Training and Competition

The body needs fuel to drive performance and if that fuel runs out then fatigue will set in.  It is important to consider fuel for swimming in both training sessions and in the competition environment. There are issues associated with eating and drinking during...

Sprint Freestyle Perfection

Sprint Freestyle Perfection

So, what does sprint freestyle perfection look like? Leigh Nugent was fortunate enough to be at the Australian Short Course Championships recently in Adelaide where he observed freestyle sprint swimming perfection. Cate Campbell was back in action after a lay off...

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Join our mailing list for the latest tips, advice and news