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Logical Progression
PowerStarts(R) has spent years developing a logical progression to produce the most effective, long lasting improvement possible. We follow this process in all of our clinics, as do our Certified Coaches. To get the most out of the PowerStarts(R) Training, a three-clinic series is strongly recommended.
The first clinic
familiarizes the swimmers and the coaches with the PowerStarts(R)
TechniquesTM, what we teach, how the Training SystemTM functions, and trains the
overall start, from the blocks to the breakout. Video analysis is provided
on Personalized CD-ROM for each swimmer.
The second clinic reviews the video from the first clinic and is based on
detailed emphasis on specific segments of the start-dive. Personalized
coaching, based on previous videos and on observed performance, is provided to
each swimmer to refine individual technique.
The third clinic continues to refine and
reinforce the swimmer's new start technique, building on the solid skill
foundation developed in the first two clinics. To ensure that the swimmer
is fully executing the proper technique, we again bring the video analysis
recommended adjustments to the third clinic.
The actual learning progression is extremely detailed, to develop every aspect of the PowerStartsTM TechniqueTM. The following is a high-level summary of the progression:
1. Establish the baseline by video taping the "before training" start-dive.
2. Conduct classroom training and clinic expectations and safety concerns awareness
3. Learn dry land drills. Jack-in-the-box. Starting stance. Head position. Looking at the goal, etc.
4. Introduction to the PowerStarts(R) Training SystemTM. First two-to-three dives do not count. The mind and the body must learn to work together as the slate is erased of their old technique. Now it is important that while we are erasing the slate we do not want to introduce new bad habits. Therefore we stop training until further video analysis. So we usually only take five or six start-dives during the first session.
5. Now we want to emphasize the importance of scheduling another clinic as soon as possible so that the proper training can continue before further practice that may introduce new bad habits that could hinder the accelerated progression.
6. So we conduct the next clinic ASAP and then do another video analysis before we proceed to the next level. We take one step at a time but we want to take each of the steps as close together as possible. The longer the gap between the clinics the more chance for new bad habits to creep in. The third clinic is not a refresher at the end of the season. The third clinic should be the "set-in-concrete" forming the mold of the new technique. I feel it is very important that this clinic be conducted within weeks of the first two clinics.
