Throughout my coaching career, I remain amazed at how difficult it is to teach swimming. I can tell a client to do something, and confirm they understand the concept, only to see them swim the way they always have. They think they are swimming differently, but they aren’t. For most clients, it is just a victory to get them to understand that they aren’t doing what is asked of them.

Some people learn faster than others. Why? Is it because of genetics, superior coaching, or luck? What can these quick learners tell us all? I spend a lot of time talking to my high achieving clients, defined as those who improve their time by 10% or more within 2 months. This is the focus of this article.

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Q: Are some pools “faster” than others and should I care as a triathlete?

A: The short answer is, yes, pools are different. But a triathlete should not care. Here are some things that make a difference in the speed of a pool:

1. Gutters – gutter systems that can absorb waves effectively are going to allow swimmers to go faster. A smaller wave means less resistance when a swimmer does a flip turn and starts the next lap. A pool without gutters creates many waves, which bounce off of many walls and creates a chaotic and choppy surface.

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Coach Dobko will pick one of your questions each week and give you some insight into swimming. E-mail your questions to duanesworlddobko@worldnet.att.net.

Ever wonder what the best way is to maintain your momentum when you come to the surface from a start (or push-off the wall)? In every good start (even in a triathlon open water swim), you will be underwater, kicking, with arms held in a streamline position overhead. When you come to the surface, it is important that you are at an angle to the water, with the head higher than the feet. This will cause you to push up and over the surface, so when you start swimming you will automatically be going as fast as you were while streamlining.

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