FEATURE: S & C IN SWIMMING performance so that there can be in training refinement to the testing protocols. to broaden their physical skill Additionally, the physical preparation sets. But ideally, I would program plays a large role in the ability • Improved robustness. There is growinglike to see our young athletes develop of the athlete to execute specific skills body of evidence to support the notionmore competency in the basic things, in the desired manner. that stronger athletes can both such as good shoulder function, tolerate a higher workload and recoversquatting, lunging, pushing, pulling, EXAMPLES OF STRENGTH faster from the same relative workloadjumping and landing. AND CONDITIONING than weaker athletes. APPLICATIONS IN SWIMMING “Too often we get distracted by the • Improved general athleticism. As bright, shiny things or gurus, who with • The development of lower body power a core foundation of my philosophy, their expert or unique perspective on assists in starts and turns. strength training emphasises training, can solve everything for a price. coordination training with appropriate • The development of trunk (core) resistance. This means that multi- “Sometimes I think there is a tendency stability allows swimmers to hold their directional, multi-planar, multi-joint to forget that we can create an streamline position more effectively movements are emphasised and as enormous positive impact by focusing and improves the transfer of force/ such, athletes become more well- on creating good relationships with our power to the limbs. rounded and develop an improved athletes and coaches and by providing ability to apply and absorb force in sound training programs that respect • Developing upper body strength different planes and at different speeds.the scientific evidence but are tailored and power, and specifically, shoulder to the individual.” integrity, allows swimmers to be able On the future of strength and to complete as much of the prescribedconditioning in swimming, Dickinson training as possible. The ability to sees room for growth and improvement, ABOUT THE AUTHOR complete these sessions allows particularly in younger athletes: Jorden Merrilees is the Copy the required physiological and Editor at SMA. He received his biomechanical development to “I would really like to see a return to degree in Communications from take place which gives the swimmer basic general training in our younger the University of North Carolina the technical and physical capacity age groups. I would love to see young at Chapel Hill. required to race. athletes exposed to a lot more variation VOLUME 36 • ISSUE 3 2018 23 awatao/segamiytteg