#406 Wolfpack Elite's Joao Mescolote on Training Speed, Underwaters, and the new "Speed Force" group
Oct 29, 2024
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Joao Mescolote, a swim coach at Wolfpack Elite who has gained popularity for his engaging training videos, shares insights on swimming coaching. He discusses innovative training techniques, such as the benefits of specialized socks for leg kicks and resistance training for improving underwater speed. Joao emphasizes the importance of individualized training and mental resilience, highlighting the need for patience in young athletes’ development. He also introduces the new 'Speed Force' group aimed at enhancing competitive training for high school swimmers.
Joao Mescolote emphasizes the importance of personalized training regimens that cater to each swimmer's unique strengths and needs.
The coaching strategy at Wolfpack Elite focuses on enhancing underwater speed and integrating varied workouts to refine swimmers' performance.
A shift towards fewer, high-intensity training sessions paired with adequate recovery periods fosters improved athlete performance and mitigates burnout.
Deep dives
Transition to Wolfpack Elite and Coaching Style
The speaker discusses their recent transition from completing a master's degree at Ball State University to coaching with the Wolfpack Elite pro team in Raleigh. The move has brought exciting new opportunities to work with elite athletes like Catherine Burkoff and Kasper Stokowski, while also integrating Brazilian swimmers once part of their training. The coaching approach emphasizes tailored programs for each swimmer, focusing on their unique needs and strengths rather than a one-size-fits-all strategy. This method has enabled the speaker to learn more about effective training styles and how they can apply them to enhance swimmer performance.
Underwater Speed Development
A significant aspect of training at Wolfpack Elite revolves around enhancing underwater speed, a crucial element for competitive swimmers. Emphasis is placed on developing endurance and technique during early season training sessions, progressively incorporating power and speed as the season advances. Coaches use varied workouts, including kick counts and specific drills to ensure all athletes refine their underwater performance regardless of their natural abilities. This foundational work not only prepares swimmers for competitions but also instills crucial habits they can rely on long-term in their competitive careers.
Emphasis on Individualized Training Plans
The coaching staff at Wolfpack Elite demonstrates a strong commitment to individualized attention, adapting training plans according to each swimmer's capabilities. For instance, specific kick counts are assigned based on the athlete's strengths, and adjustments are made during training to ensure maximum effectiveness. The speaker highlights an example where one swimmer, initially struggling with underwater performance, has rapidly improved due to tailored training regimens and dedicated coaching. This flexible approach ensures athletes remain engaged while addressing their unique developmental needs.
Mental Engagement and High-Quality Training
The conversation touches on the importance of maintaining high-quality training sessions through adequate recovery periods and mental engagement. By prioritizing fewer, more intense efforts rather than traditional high-volume, low-intensity workouts, swimmers can achieve outstanding results while avoiding burnout. The speaker discusses their experimentation with longer rest periods between sprints, which resulted in improved quality and athlete performance during practice. This shift away from conventional methods reflects a growing understanding of how quality training leads to better results in competition.
Community Outreach and Future Goals
In addition to working with professional athletes, the team is actively seeking to expand its community outreach by hosting sprint-focused workouts for high school swimmers. This initiative aims to support athletes in the region by delivering specialized training that complements their existing club practices. The speaker expresses excitement about the growth of Wolfpack Elite, not only in the professional context but also within the local swimming community. Future goals include hosting more clinics and workshops, further establishing the program as a center of excellence in the swimming world.
Brett has the pleasure of catching up with Joao Mescolote, a returning guest who's now fully immersed in coaching with Wolfpack Elite at NC State in Raleigh, North Carolina.
They talk about everything from specialized training techniques to the mental resilience needed for peak performance.
You've probably seen Swim Coach Joao on Instagram, as he's had a long, consistent history of making videos about swimming and his journey in coaching.
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