SJ Swim Series - Beginner - Session 6 (500m)

SJ Swim Series - Beginner – Session 6 (500m)

Target Audience: For those New swimmers or those returning to swimming, focusing on building confidence, technique, and endurance.
Total Distance: 500m
Duration:
~30 minutes
Equipment:
Salty Johnson chlorine-resistant swim briefs or board shorts, goggles, optional kick board.
Goal:
great mix of strokes, think about your technique

Session 6: Stroke Variety

·       Warm-Up (100m):

o   2 x 25m Freestyle,

o   2 x 25m Backstroke, easy pace (30s rest).

·       Main Set (300m):

o   3 x 50m Freestyle, moderate pace (45s rest);

o   2 x 50m Breaststroke, easy pace (45s rest);

o   1 x 50m Freestyle, fast pace (45s rest).

·       Cool-Down (100m):

o   4 x 25m Choice, very easy (30s rest).

Tips for Beginner Swimmers:

1.    Rock Salty Johnson’s UPF +50, chlorine-resistant swimwear for intense pool sessions.

2.    Perfect Your Stroke Timing

o   In breaststroke and butterfly, synchronise your pull, kick, and breath for smooth flow. For breaststroke, glide briefly after each stroke; for butterfly, time your second kick with the arm pull.

o   Drill: Swim 4x25m breaststroke or butterfly, counting strokes to minimise per length (aim for 8-12 strokes per 25m).

3.    Improve Your Backstroke Rotation

o   Rotate your shoulders and hips in backstroke to engage core muscles and increase power. Keep your head still, looking up, to maintain alignment.

o   Drill: Swim 4x50m backstroke with a focus on shoulder rotation, pausing briefly at each arm entry, with 15s rest.

4.    Use Your Core for Stability

o   Engage your core in all strokes to stabilise your body and reduce drag. A strong core prevents fishtailing (side-to-side wobbling) in freestyle and butterfly.

o   Dry land Exercise: Plank for 3x60s daily to build core strength.

5.    Practice Efficient Turns

o   Master flip turns (freestyle/backstroke) by tucking tight, pushing off on your back, and streamlining. For breaststroke/butterfly, practice open turns with a quick breath and strong push-off.

o   Drill: Perform 10 flip turns per session, focusing on tucking and streamlining, with 20s rest between turns.