#350 Todd DeSorbo and the Process of Building Speed and Power
Dec 11, 2023
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Exploring Todd DeSorbo's coaching journey and achievements. Balancing coaching roles. Dedication in swim events. Training for NCAA's and Olympics. Team dynamics in collegiate swimming. Individualized nutrition and training strategies for male and female swimmers.
Emphasis on long course training for international success.
Importance of balancing individual athlete needs within team dynamics.
Challenges and opportunities of adapting to graduating athletes.
Building relationships in the coaching community for mutual learning.
Deep dives
Focus on Long Course Training for International Success
The team is intensifying its focus on long course training to achieve success at international competitions. While maintaining emphasis on long course preparation, there is a strategic balance with short course training leading up to NCAA competitions in March. By racing more long course events such as the US Open and the Pro Swim Series, the team aims to enhance their long course performance.
Athlete Relationships and Success
The coach emphasizes the importance of managing individual athlete needs and personalities within the team dynamic. By creating a positive and motivating environment, the athletes are encouraged to push themselves and work together. The coach's approach involves striking a balance between focusing on long term international success while providing a positive distraction through short course competitions like NCAA meets.
Challenges of Graduating Key Athletes
The team faces the challenge of maintaining and surpassing success as key athletes graduate each year. The coach views this as an opportunity for growth, where adapting to the loss of points from graduating seniors presents a challenge to the team. The focus is on continuously improving individual performances and team dynamics to navigate changes in team composition.
Building Positive Relationships within the Coaching Community
The coach reflects on developing stronger relationships within the coaching community, fostering connections with peers such as Anthony and Greg Meehan. These relationships have deepened through shared experiences, mutual learning, and open communication. The positive collaborations have enabled valuable exchanges on coaching strategies and training methods.
Openness to Sharing Training Approaches
Despite considerations for limiting distractions, the coach maintains an open attitude towards sharing training methods and welcoming visitors to observe practices. While potential distractions are acknowledged, the coach recognizes the benefit of occasional interruptions as positive influences on team dynamics. The team's training environment remains open to sharing insights and approaches with curiosity and enthusiasm.
Cam McAvoy's Single-Minded Focus on Speed and Training Specificity
Cam McAvoy's approach to training showcases a laser focus on speed enhancement and setting world records in swimming. He emphasizes swimming as fast as possible, aiming to become the fastest man in water and break world records. McAvoy's coach, Tim Lane, implements specialized training regimens that prioritize speed over traditional aerobic methods, illustrating a shift towards highly customized training for optimal performance.
Incorporating Resistance Training and Technique Development for Speed Improvement
The podcast delves into the significance of resistance training and technique development for building speed and power in swimming. The use of tools like EO's swim better handset and underwater camera systems aids in analyzing stroke techniques and enhancing performance. The incorporation of resistance training, such as using power racks, parachutes, and drag socks, complements traditional training methods to optimize swimmers' speed and efficiency.
Todd DeSorbo is the Head Coach of the University of Virginia Men's and Women's Swimming & Diving teams. He has also been named the Head Coach for Team USA's Women's Team this summer at the Paris Olympics.
