High Performance Swimming

Based on cutting-edge practices advocated by leading experts, this invaluable book guides the reader through the technical and scientific aspects of high performance swimming and provides information about the programs and practices of elite coaches and swimmers. Essential areas that are covered include coaching elite swimmers, with attention being paid to the humanistic style of coaching, what swimmers want from their coaches, the worldwide competition calendar, and the threat posed by doping. All aspects of training preparation for high performance are also explored, including periodization in the context of quadrennial planning; specific event training, including sample programs and sessions; altitude training; and the use of specialized equipment. Support systems and the myriad of support services available to today's top swimmers are discussed, as well as the physiological aspects of performance, including best practice in test sets and protocols from across the world. The guide also details effective techniques and the technical developments that need to be adopted to maximize success across the strokes and events; technology and tactics, race analysis data, and the race strategies of champions; ergogenics and swimsuit technologies; competition psychology, the factors involved in peaking for high performance, mental preparation, and mental skills development; and how to approach major championship meets with a consideration of travel, jet lag, and "coping strategies."