#407 Building Better Aquatic Athletes with Sean Kao
Nov 7, 2024
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Sean Kao, founder of Aquatic Sports Performance, shares his transformation from competitive swimmer to strength coach. He discusses the importance of personalized strength training for swimmers and water polo athletes, highlighting the need for mobility and foundational skills. Sean points out the dangers of early specialization and the value of varied physical play in youth sports. The conversation delves into innovative strategies for sprint training and the evolution of strength conditioning, emphasizing individualized programs that cater to the unique needs of aquatic athletes.
Sean Kao's journey exemplifies how personal experience as an athlete can shape effective training philosophies for aquatic sports.
Individualized training programs are essential for aquatic athletes, as each possesses unique strengths and weaknesses necessitating tailored regimens.
Emphasizing strength and mobility training on land is crucial for enhancing aquatic performance, contrasting traditional conditioning approaches.
Deep dives
Aquatic Sports Performance Overview
The business primarily focuses on training swimmers and water polo athletes, alongside a few others such as volleyball and baseball players. Founded by an experienced swimmer and coach, it started as a side venture in a garage and has since grown to a full-time operation. The founder's extensive background includes swimming at prestigious clubs and colleges, where he gained valuable insights into sports performance. His experience working under renowned trainers during the lead-up to the Rio Olympics shaped his approach to athletic training in aquatic sports.
Personalized Training Programs
The emphasis on individualization in training programs is crucial, as each athlete possesses unique strengths and weaknesses. For instance, two breaststrokers may require distinctly different training regimens based on their specific physical capabilities, like vertical jump height. This individualized approach is especially beneficial for younger athletes, enabling a tailored program that addresses their developmental needs. By doing so, the program enhances their athletic performance while accommodating their respective ages and skill levels.
Strength and Mobility Training Importance
Strength and mobility training are highlighted as essential components for aquatic athletes, as traditional conditioning methods may not suffice. While athletes typically engage in conditioning in the water, the focus should also be on developing strength and mobility on land to support their performance. This approach contrasts existing frameworks that might treat swimming and other sports in a one-size-fits-all manner, targeting the unique biomechanical demands of aquatic disciplines. The goal is to address specific mobility weaknesses to foster overall athletic capabilities.
Early Specialization in Sports
The trend of early specialization in sports, particularly among aquatic athletes, is concerning and can hinder overall development. Many young swimmers focus solely on their sport, limiting their exposure to diverse movements that promote general physical literacy. The founder advocates for engaging in activities like gymnastics or martial arts before the age of six, fostering a well-rounded athletic foundation. This foundational approach not only enhances aquatic skills but also prepares young athletes for long-term success in their chosen sports.
Future of Strength Training for Aquatic Athletes
The future of strength training in aquatics is steering toward hyper specialization and individualized approaches rather than blanket methodologies. This shift reflects a growing understanding that unique athletes require distinct strategies for optimal performance. Emphasizing adaptability in training regimens allows for better alignment with each athlete's specific goals and physical capabilities. Such an innovative outlook promises to advance the effectiveness of strength training and improve swimming performance in the long run.
This week we welcome Sean Kao, founder of Aquatic Sports Performance, shared his journey from a young swimmer to an experienced strength coach. Specializing in training swimmers and water polo athletes, Sean opened up about his philosophy of strength training and how it fits into the world of aquatics.
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