2023 Swim Technique Clinic - 12th March 2023
Do you want to make your freestyle swimming more enjoyable and efficient?
Swimming is such a technically challenging sport that you can spend many hours working hard on becoming fitter but not getting much faster. For many swimmers, the answer is to improve your technique, reduce drag, increase propulsion, and use your fitness more effectively.
But where do you start? With us, of course!
Our course is a one-day course with 2 x 2-hr swim sessions and a 90 min interactive session with Claire Howard, our friendly physio, who will take you through some mobility and strength exercises and a pre-session warm-up.
In each of the three swimming sessions, we will break your stroke down and focus on specific aspects before building it back up into your full stroke again.
You can read more about our philosophy in developing techniques by clicking "read more".
We limit numbers to 14 swimmers on this course so we can spend the maximum time with you, and we will have three coaches on deck (4:1 coach ratio).
What happens on the day?
09:15 - Meet & Greet - Introduction and short presentation on the contents for the day
09:45 to 11:45 - 2-hr swim session covering the foundation & core skills
12:00 to 12:30 - Lunch
12:30 - 14:00 - Mobility/ Conditioning/Activation Practical with Caire Howard.
14:15 -16:15 - Swim session covering the advanced skills with a recap of the core skills.
16:30 - Depart
That looks like a lot of swimming!
It is a full-on day; however, the first session has a lot of demonstration and instruction and doesn't have a lot of full-stroke swimming while we learn the core skills.
The second session does have more swimming, but each person only needs to do as much as they are comfortable with.
Am I fast enough or too fast?
These sessions are aimed at intermediate swimmers who want to improve their technique; the sessions are aimed at swimmers who can swim ~25 - 37 min for 1500m (if in doubt, ask)
After completing this course, you will:
- Know and understand the essential aspects required for more efficient swimming
- Understand how to perform drills that will help you to achieve this
- Understand how to implement them in your swim programme correctly
- Understand how they impact your full stroke.
- Learn how to make corrections to your stroke as you swim.
- Know how to go about improving range of motion and how to activate the relevant muscles
I have found attending the technical swim school session absolutely brilliant. Being able to break down & practice each part of my stroke has improved my swimming 100%. It has also helped my confidence in the water. Great facilities, staff & pool.
SharonWho will be coaching?
Mark Pearce MSc (BTF Level 3)
Mark is the head coach of ITT; he began coaching triathlon with British Triathlon in 2009, heading up the High-Performance Centre in Loughborough until 2014, when ITT took over his time. While there, he coached Lucy Hall for the 2012 London Olympics, Matt Sharpe to the U23 World title and numerous athletes in the World series.
Since 2014 he has been running regular swim clinics and swim schools, helping numerous athletes to improve their technique, speed, and confidence in the water.
Sam Proctor
Sam has been an AG athlete before becoming a Pro and now a coach. He has been coached by Mark for 6-years and, along the way, has developed his knowledge of technical swim coaching in a way which compliments Mark's systematic approach. With a great eye for detail, and concise feedback he is a valuable asset on the poolside.
Nick White
Nick is a highly competitive Masters swimmer and a valuable asset to our coaching programme. Having been on Mark's courses and coached on many more, he knows the ins and outs of all the technical skills required and works seamlessly with the team. His attention to detail when working with swimmers is great, and his ability to communicate with everyone is a huge bonus!
Claire Howard BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy MCSP MAACP
Claire is an expert in all sporting injuries and rehabilitation. With over two decades of extensive Musculoskeletal (MSK) experience, Claire’s vast wealth of knowledge and expertise has successfully rehabilitated a wide range of individuals, from professional and competitive athletes to club sportspersons.
She works with many triathletes and is particularly well-versed in the issues swimmers face and how to help them to achieve the movements required for effective swimming.
Book Now
Book your space now!
£115
By booking your space now, you reserve your position in the Swim Clinic. If you are unable to attend the course, let us know as soon as possible, and if we can fill your space you will receive a full refund.
Location
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I need any equipment?
YES - the following is essential:
- Fins (not snorkelling ones)
- Pull buoy
- Paddles
Do you provide lunch?
As many sportspeople are very particular about their food, we ask you to bring your own lunch and snacks. Tea and coffee will be available at lunchtime.
Four hours of swimming sounds a lot!
You are correct, it does. Don't worry though there will be plenty of time for recovery, and breaks as we explain and demonstrate areas. Typically people will swim ~ 1.0 - 1.5k per hour in these sessions.
Will this course transform me into a super swimmer?
No it won't, you may well become a super swimmer, but one course will not do that. The lessons you learn and the skills you take away may do. However, you need to be prepared to put time into practising what you learn, time and time again.
Sample Session
This is video content from one of our Swim Schools. This is a similar concept to the Swim Clinic but is delivered one hour per week.