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Sport Videos

Learn numerous components, drills and techniques necessary to excel at competitive swimming. Coach Peter Richardson explains in detail the various drills and their purpose. All four strokes are demonstrated: freestyle, breaststroke, butterfly and backstroke. Tips and techniques for swimming turns are also presented in this comprehensive video. This program is an invaluable resource for swimmers and coaches. 79 minutes.

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Learn numerous components, drills and techniques necessary to excel at competitive swimming. Coach Peter Richardson explains in detail the various drills and their purpose. All four strokes are demonstrated: freestyle, breaststroke, butterfly and backstroke. Tips and techniques for swimming turns are also presented in this comprehensive video. This program is an invaluable resource for swimmers and coaches. 79 minutes.

Peter Richardson was named as the University of Pacific Tigers' Men's and Women's Swimming Head Coach in 2012. Each season, Richardson leads the Tigers throughout the very competitive Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) conference. The Tigers have sent eight swimmers to the U.S. Olympic Trials under Richardson. Prior to Pacific, Richardson had been the head swimming coach at Fresno Pacific University where the men's swimming program won back to back NAIA National Championships (2010 and 2011), while the women's team won the National Championship in 2012. Richardson's FPU swimmers have won 31 individual national championships and 18 championship relays while setting 24 NAIA national records.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction
Freestyle
Breaststroke
Butterfly Stroke
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Features demonstrations of all four strokes, which is essential knowledge for competitive swimmers looking to improve their technique
Includes tips and techniques for swimming turns, a critical aspect of competitive swimming that can significantly impact race times
Led by Coach Peter Richardson, who has a proven track record of leading swimmers to the U.S. Olympic Trials
Presents various drills and explains their purpose, which is valuable for coaches seeking to enhance their training programs
Focuses on competitive swimming, so recreational swimmers may find the content too advanced or specific to their needs

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Reviews summary

Competitive swimming drills and techniques

According to learners, this course is an invaluable resource primarily aimed at competitive swimmers and coaches. Students say it provides detailed explanations and demonstrations of numerous drills and techniques across all four major strokes (freestyle, breaststroke, butterfly, backstroke), as well as turns. The course leverages the expertise of Coach Peter Richardson, known for his success in developing competitive swimmers. While highly praised by those focused on competitive improvement, some feedback suggests it may be less suitable for absolute beginners learning basic swimming.
Features numerous practical drills for technique improvement.
"The video demonstrations of the drills were very clear and easy to replicate."
"I immediately started incorporating some of these drills into my training sessions."
"Understanding the *purpose* behind each drill was key, and the coach explains that well."
Covers all four strokes and competitive turns in detail.
"I appreciate that all four strokes are covered, along with essential competitive turns."
"The breakdown of techniques for each stroke was clear and easy to follow."
"Getting dedicated segments on butterfly and backstroke, plus turns, adds significant value."
Benefits from Coach Peter Richardson's competitive background.
"Learning from Coach Richardson's experience was a major plus; his track record speaks for itself."
"The credibility of the instructor really shines through in the practical advice given."
"It's great getting tips directly from a coach with national championship experience."
Targets swimmers/coaches for competitive improvement.
"I found this course incredibly helpful for understanding the techniques needed for competitive racing."
"As a coach, the specific drills demonstrated here are exactly what I needed to incorporate into practices."
"This isn't just about learning to swim; it's about excelling in competitive events with proper form."
Assumes some basic swimming proficiency.
"This course really focuses on refining technique, not teaching you how to float or basic strokes from scratch."
"If you're completely new to swimming, this might be overwhelming; it's geared towards improving."
"I already knew how to swim, and this course helped me understand *why* certain techniques are effective."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Swimming Tips and Techniques with these activities:
Review Basic Swimming Techniques
Refresh fundamental swimming techniques to build a solid foundation before diving into advanced drills and competitive strategies.
Show steps
  • Watch videos demonstrating proper form.
  • Practice each stroke in a pool.
  • Get feedback from a swimming coach.
Read 'Swimming Fastest' by Ernest Maglischo
Gain a deeper understanding of the biomechanics and science behind efficient swimming techniques.
View Swimming Fastest on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Swimming Fastest'.
  • Read chapters related to the four strokes.
  • Take notes on key concepts and drills.
Practice Stroke Drills
Reinforce proper stroke mechanics and improve efficiency through consistent practice of targeted drills.
Show steps
  • Select 2-3 drills for each stroke.
  • Perform each drill for 15 minutes.
  • Focus on maintaining correct form.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Read 'Complete Conditioning for Swimming' by Dave Salo
Learn about the importance of physical conditioning and how to incorporate it into your swimming training.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Complete Conditioning for Swimming'.
  • Read chapters related to strength and conditioning.
  • Incorporate exercises into your routine.
Create a Stroke Analysis Video
Deepen your understanding of stroke mechanics by analyzing your own swimming and identifying areas for improvement.
Show steps
  • Record yourself swimming each stroke.
  • Analyze your form frame by frame.
  • Identify areas for improvement.
  • Create a video highlighting your analysis.
Design a Training Plan
Apply your knowledge of swimming techniques and training principles to create a personalized training plan.
Show steps
  • Assess your current swimming abilities.
  • Set specific, measurable goals.
  • Develop a weekly training schedule.
  • Track your progress and make adjustments.
Tutor Beginner Swimmers
Solidify your understanding of swimming techniques by teaching them to others.
Show steps
  • Volunteer to help at a local pool.
  • Offer guidance to beginner swimmers.
  • Provide feedback on their technique.

Career center

Learners who complete Swimming Tips and Techniques will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Swimming Coach
A swimming coach instructs swimmers of all ages and skill levels, helping them improve their technique, speed, and endurance. This course focuses on the components, drills, and techniques needed to excel at competitive swimming. If you aspire to be a swimming coach, observing Coach Peter Richardson's detailed explanations of drills and their purpose may be useful. The demonstration of all four strokes—freestyle, breaststroke, butterfly, and backstroke—along with tips for swimming turns, provides a framework for instruction, especially for those preparing athletes for competition. The experience of learning from a coach as successful as Peter Richardson may provide insight into structuring training sessions and improving individual performance.
Swim Instructor
A swim instructor teaches individuals, often beginners, how to swim and be safe in the water. This course may be useful for aspiring swim instructors. Reviewing the detailed explanations and demonstrations of the four strokes—freestyle, breaststroke, butterfly, and backstroke—helps build a strong understanding of proper form and technique, essential for teaching others. As a swim instructor, knowing competitive techniques may help teach advanced students. Learning swimming turns also prepares one to teach swimmers of various skill levels, especially those aiming for competitive arenas.
Physical Education Teacher
A physical education teacher instructs students in various sports and physical activities, promoting fitness and healthy lifestyles. This course can be a helpful resource for a physical education teacher looking to enhance their swimming instruction skills. The detailed explanations and demonstrations of freestyle, breaststroke, butterfly, and backstroke, as well as tips for swimming turns, provide a solid foundation for teaching swimming techniques to students of different ages and skill levels. Learning from Coach Peter Richardson may help improve both their teaching methods and their understanding of competitive swimming.
Camp Counselor
A camp counselor supervises and leads activities for children at summer camps. This course may be useful for camp counselors who are responsible for supervising swimming activities. The detailed explanations and demonstrations of freestyle, breaststroke, butterfly, and backstroke, as well as tips for swimming turns, may help one provide basic swimming instruction and ensure the safety of campers in the water. While lifeguarding certification is typically required, this course may enhance your ability to assist and guide campers in the pool encouraging skillful and safe swimming.
Lifeguard
A lifeguard is responsible for the safety of swimmers at pools, beaches, and other aquatic environments. While lifeguarding primarily focuses on rescue and prevention, a strong understanding of swimming techniques can be beneficial. This course may help aspiring lifeguards hone their swimming skills and develop a deeper understanding of the mechanics of different strokes. Knowing the proper techniques for freestyle, breaststroke, butterfly, and backstroke, as well as swimming turns, contributes to a lifeguard's overall competence and readiness to respond effectively in emergency situations.
Kinesiologist
A kinesiologist studies human movement and how it relates to health and performance. This course delves into the specific techniques and drills used in competitive swimming, and it may be useful for a kinesiologist seeking expertise in aquatic sports. The detailed demonstrations of freestyle, breaststroke, butterfly, and backstroke, as well as swimming turns, may prove helpful as a kinesiologist analyzes and optimizes swimming techniques. Learning from Coach Peter Richardson may provide valuable insights into the biomechanics of swimming and how to improve efficiency and prevent injuries.
Aquatic Therapist
An aquatic therapist uses water-based exercises to help patients recover from injuries or manage chronic conditions. While this course focuses on competitive swimming techniques, it may offer a foundation for understanding movement and body positioning in the water. Those interested in aquatic therapy often need a background in healthcare or physical therapy, and this course may supplement that knowledge by providing specific insights into swimming strokes and techniques. As an aquatic therapist, understanding the nuances of strokes like freestyle, breaststroke, butterfly, and backstroke and swimming turns can help tailor rehabilitation programs.
Athletic Trainer
An athletic trainer works with athletes to prevent and treat injuries. This course may be useful for athletic trainers working with swimmers. Specifically, understanding the techniques and drills for freestyle, breaststroke, butterfly, and backstroke may help inform training and rehabilitation programs. As a trainer, familiarity with the mechanics of swimming turns becomes useful in preventing injuries, and optimizing performance. Those in this career may find the coach's insights valuable for understanding the specific demands placed on swimmers' bodies.
Sports Performance Analyst
A sports performance analyst uses data and analytics to help athletes improve their performance. This course may be relevant for analysts who specialize in swimming. By delving into the components, drills, and techniques demonstrated by Coach Peter Richardson, aspiring analysts can develop a deeper understanding of the nuances of competitive swimming. Those seeking to pursue this role may consider that the course focuses on the four strokes and swimming turns, and this provides a lens through which to evaluate and interpret performance metrics for swimmers. Although a background in data science is often required, this course may offer the specialized knowledge needed to excel in swimming analytics.
Sports Journalist
A sports journalist reports on sports events and athletes for newspapers, magazines, websites, or television. This course can be a useful resource for journalists who cover swimming. The detailed explanations and demonstrations of the four strokes and swimming turns may help develop a deeper understanding of the sport. Learning from Coach Peter Richardson may provide insights into the training methods and techniques used by competitive swimmers, allowing you to create more informed and engaging content for your audience. This can lead to more accurate and compelling storytelling.
Strength and Conditioning Coach
A strength and conditioning coach designs and implements training programs to improve athletes' strength, speed, and endurance. While this course focuses specifically on swimming techniques, a strength and conditioning coach who works with swimmers may find it valuable for understanding the specific physical demands of the sport. The detailed explanations and demonstrations of freestyle, breaststroke, butterfly, and backstroke, as well as tips for swimming turns, may inform the development of targeted training programs. Learning from Coach Peter Richardson can help optimize athletes' performance.
Recreational Therapist
A recreational therapist uses recreational activities, including swimming, to improve the physical, emotional, and social well-being of individuals with illnesses or disabilities. This course may be helpful for recreational therapists who incorporate swimming into their programs. The detailed overview of freestyle, breaststroke, butterfly, and backstroke can help develop tailored swimming activities for clients with specific needs. Learning from Coach Peter Richardson and understanding the techniques and drills used in competitive swimming may assist in making the recreational therapy sessions more effective and enjoyable.
Sports Agent
A sports agent represents professional athletes, negotiating contracts and managing their careers. This course may prove helpful for sports agents who specialize in representing swimmers. A sports agent who understands the nuances of swimming techniques and training methods may be better positioned to advise and support their clients. Learning from someone like Coach Peter Richardson may contribute to more informed decisions regarding training, competition strategies, and career development for the swimmers they represent. Understanding styles like the freestyle, breaststroke, butterfly, and backstroke is crucial.
Adapted Physical Education Teacher
An adapted physical education teacher works with students with disabilities to provide them with modified physical activities and sports. This course may be helpful for teachers who work with students who are interested in swimming. The detailed explanations and demonstrations of freestyle, breaststroke, butterfly, and backstroke, as well as tips for swimming turns, provide a foundation for adapting swimming techniques for students with various physical and cognitive challenges. Learning about different swimming strokes can help the teacher create inclusive and effective swimming programs.
Health and Wellness Coordinator
A health and wellness coordinator develops and implements programs to promote healthy lifestyles within organizations or communities. While this course focuses on competitive swimming, it may offer a deeper understanding of the benefits of swimming as a fitness activity. The detailed overview of the four strokes and swimming turns may inform the design of swimming-related wellness programs. Learning from Coach Peter Richardson may provide inspiration for encouraging more people to incorporate swimming into their fitness routines, and to improve their overall health and well-being.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Swimming Tips and Techniques.
Comprehensive guide to competitive swimming techniques. It covers biomechanics, training principles, and stroke analysis in detail. It valuable resource for swimmers and coaches looking to optimize performance. This book provides a deeper understanding of the science behind swimming.
Provides a comprehensive guide to physical conditioning for swimmers. It covers strength training, flexibility, and nutrition. It valuable resource for swimmers and coaches looking to improve performance through physical preparation. This book adds breadth to the course by covering conditioning.

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