#312 : Put An End To Sinking Legs And Being Exhausted Quickly with Andrew Shaeff
Dec 18, 2023
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Meet Andrew Sheaff, highly accomplished coach and author of the book 'A Constraints-Led Approach to Swim Coaching.' His expertise covers breathing techniques, improving catch and pull development, and addressing sinking legs. He discusses the benefits of mixing up breathing patterns, breaking comfort zones, and visual tricks for better breathing. Andrew also emphasizes the significance of body position and provides tips for managing body position in swimming.
Optimizing breathing frequency and rhythm is crucial for swimmers, focusing on exhaling completely before inhaling can help improve breath control and endurance.
Utilizing visual cues and hand paddles in different orientations can assist swimmers in developing proper catch and pull motions, maintaining a sense of rhythm and balance during the stroke.
Deep dives
Breathing Techniques and Challenges
This episode of the Effortless Swimming Podcast explores the topic of breathing in swimming. The guest, Andrew Shaf, discusses how to optimize breathing frequency and the challenges individuals face when feeling out of breath, even if they are fit. He suggests focusing on exhaling completely before inhaling and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a steady rhythm and flow during breathing. Andrew also touches on the idea of bilateral breathing and the benefits of exposing swimmers to various breathing patterns during training.
Improving the Catch and Pull
The second part of the podcast delves into techniques to enhance the catch and pull phase of swimming. Andrew mentions the common mistakes of dropping the elbow and insufficient hand positioning. He suggests utilizing visual cues and hand paddles in different orientations to help swimmers feel the proper catch and pull motions. Additionally, Andrew emphasizes the importance of maintaining a sense of rhythm and balance during the stroke and suggests using stroke count-based drills to break repetitive patterns and encourage changes in technique.
Managing Body Position and Buoyancy
The podcast episode also highlights the significance of managing body position and buoyancy in swimming. Andrew stresses the importance of using lungs for buoyancy, allowing swimmers to maintain a better body position effortlessly. He recommends various exercises, such as wrapping arms around the legs while taking a deep breath or having a partner push on the swimmer's back, to create a sensation of floating and body alignment. Andrew also emphasizes the need to find the right balance between tension and relaxation in the lower body to avoid sinking and excessive leg kicking.
Recognizing Limitations and Adjusting Training
Finally, the podcast addresses the issue of pushing too hard during training, which can lead to a breakdown in technique. Andrew suggests monitoring stroke count as a potential indicator of technique deterioration. If stroke count significantly increases, it may be time to adjust the training intensity, take additional rest, or modify the distance or duration of the sets. Recognizing the need for rest and understanding individual limitations can help swimmers avoid practicing incorrect technique and focus on consistent improvement.
Join me today as we sit down with Andrew Sheaff, a highly accomplished coach and author of the book "A Constraints-Led Approach to Swim Coaching." In this episode, Andrew shares his expertise on various aspects of swimming, including breathing techniques and innovative methods for improving catch and pull development. Whether you're a competitive swimmer or simply looking to enhance your swimming skills, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone seeking valuable insights and practical tips from a true expert in the field.
00:00 Introduction 01:22 Improving Breath Awareness and Technique for Swimmers of All Levels 04:45 Mixing Up Breathing Patterns in Swim Training 07:25 Breaking Comfort Zones: Exploring the Benefits of Breathing to the Non-Preferred Side 09:03 A Drill to Improve Breathing on Both Sides 12:15 Common Mistakes in Breathing 18:00 Visual Tricks for Improving Breathing 20:20 Developing a Strong and Effective Catch and Pull 26:39 Knowing When to Push and When to Stop in Training 30:36 Don't Skip the Basics: The Significance of Body Position 34:31 Addressing Low Hips and Legs in Swimmers: Key Factors to Consider 36:44 Learn more about Andrew Shaeff and his work
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