Written by Coach Gunther
Long Course swimming requires an increased awareness of efficient endurance based swimming. Swimmers learn to be more efficient in the water through long course training. Swimming 50 meters uninterrupted allows the swimmer to concentrate on stroke length, pull patterns, and proper balance. In a study published in 2003, Is Short Course Yards USA Swimming's Achilles Heel? Jonty Skinner, Director of USA Swimming and coaching legend Bill Boomer collaborated in an investigation into the effect that short course swimming has had on USA Swimming success.
They found that swimmers who trained short course exhibited technique that utilized shoulder based power which would cause rapid fatigue. Those swimmers that trained long course utilized body based power that resulted in less fatigue. This study helped USA Swimming to encourage LSC's (Local Swim Committees) to extend their long course seasons and in turn offer more long course training opportunities for their athletes.
There is a difference in the training required for success in long course events. Long course events are more taxing on the body than corresponding to short course events. Swimming experts believe that long course swimming requires 15-20% more energy exerted compared to similar short course events. This is mainly due to having turns where swimmers can generate speed from pushing off the walls. Most long course events are ten percent longer than their short course counterparts. Another factor is the need for increased kicking endurance. Many top short course swimmers often complain that their legs give out in long course races. Swimmers that train long course will develop greater kicking ability.
The FISH coaches have taken these factors into consideration. Our long course training program will better prepare you not only for the long course season but your long term swimming success as well. In the end, it is up to you to take advantage of every opportunity to train long course! Recognize that long course competition is more challenging than short course. Commit yourself to attend these practices, work hard and stay focused on proper technique.
