Last Updated on November 20, 2022 by admin
In this article, we’ll provide advice, hacks and tips on the benefits of assisted swim training.
What is assisted swim training?
Assisted swim training are those training sets designed to help swimmers generate more swimming speed than they would during an unaided swim.
- They are usually performed with the help of a variety of swimming equipment.
- This can help to give the swimmer a better ‘feel’ for swimming fast.
- This can help them to store this feeling for fast swimming in their muscle memory*.
(*muscle memory – the ability to reproduce a movement without conscious thought. Acquired as a result of frequent repetition of that movement)
Assisted swim training sets
Assisted swim training sets are often conducted with the use of a variety of swimming equipment.
- Due to its high intensity, they are usually performed over singles sets.
- They often have few repetitions (four to six maximum)
- They are usually performed over short distances (25m maximum) with a long rest interval. Commonly between thirty seconds to a minute.
The benefits of assisted swim training
Improve stroke rate
One of the major benefits of assisted swim training is the development of a faster stroke rate.
- Stroke rate measures a swimmer’s speed, by measuring the number of strokes a swimmer takes per minute.
- They can give the swimmer a ‘feel’ for performing a higher stroke rate.
Related articles on stroke count and stroke rate
We have produced related articles, on both how to use stroke count and stroke rate and stroke count and stroke rate drills. You can view them by clicking these links: how to use stroke count and stroke rate | stroke count and stroke rate drills.
Technique
Assisted swim training can remove the distractions of the swimmer needing to generate propulsion or needing to breathe correctly.
- This allows them to focus on their stroke technique at higher speeds.
Equipment used for assisted swim training
Coaches often use a variety of swimming equipment during assisted swim training sets. These include,
Snorkels
- They allow the swimmer to focus on their stroke technique, stroke rate and swimming speed.
- Without the distraction of performing a regular breathing pattern.
Related articles on the benefits of training with a swim snorkel
We have produced a related article, on the benefits of training with a swim snorkel. You can view it by clicking this link: training with a swim snorkel
Swim Fins
- They allow the swimmer to generate more propulsion and achieve a faster leg speed.
- By generating a faster leg speed the swimmer will naturally increase their arms speed and stroke rate.
Related articles on the benefits of training with swim fins
We have produced a related article, on the benefits of training with swim fins. You can view it by clicking this link: training with swim fins
Hand Paddles
- The momentum they provide can be a really effective method of sprint training over shorter distances.
- Hands paddles can be used in both assisted and resisted training.
- They can be especially useful if they are used during stroke count and stroke rate sets and drills. (see stroke count and stroke rate links above)
Related articles on the benefits of training with hand paddles
We have produced a related article, on the benefits of training with hand paddles. You can view it by clicking this link: training with hand paddles.
Stretch/Bungee Cords
- These can help to pull the swimmer through the water.
- Stretch/bungee cords are a great piece of equipment for sprint training.
- They can be used for both assisted and resisted sprint training (see assisted sprint training below).
Related articles on tethered swimming training
We have produced a related article on tethered swimming. You can view it by clicking this link: tethered swimming training
Equipment combinations
Swim coaches often use a combination of snorkels, swim fins and hand paddles.
- This can help the swimmers generate more speed during their assisted swimming sets.
Assisted Sprint Training
Many swim coaches use assisted swim training as part of their sprint development programme.
- Swimmers and coaches should be aware that assisted sprint training can shorten the swimmer’s stroke
- The overuse of assisted sprint training can result in the swimmer ineffectively developing their strength.
- To help to prevent this, coaches need to balance their sprint development programme.
- They should conduct equal amounts of resisted sprint training.
Related article on resistance swimming training
We have produced a related article on resistance swimming training. You can view it by clicking this link: resistance swimming training
Takeaways
- The major benefit of assisted swim training is the development of a faster stroke rate.
- They allow the swimmer to focus on their stroke technique.
- Many swim coaches often use a variety of swimming equipment during these sets.
- Swimmers and coaches should be aware that assisted sprint training can shorten a swimmer’s stroke.
- The overuse of assisted sprint training can result in the swimmer ineffectively developing their strength.
- To help to prevent this, coaches need to balance their sprint development programme.
- They should conduct equal amounts of resisted sprint training
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The Competitive Swimming Exchange – Facebook Group
The Competitive Swimming Exchange. Is a Facebook group to help exchange ideas and information to collectively improve the sport we love.
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- In fact, it’s for all those who are interested in competitive swimming, either in the pool or in open water
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