Masters Weekly Announcements Monday, November 10, 2025

Mark Moore

Masters Weekly Announcements
Monday, November 10, 2025

 

Hey Team, 

This Week’s Highlights from the Deck:

  1. Coach Mark’s Message
  2. Upcoming Events  
  3. Thanksgiving Wild Fork Give Back
  4. Team Support Service Policy Reminders
  5.  Lost and Found

 

FYI:  Please renew your USMS Membership before Polar Bear Starts ( Dec 10)

 

1. WORDS FROM COACH MARK

Gear Up: Why We Use Swim Equipment and How It Helps You

  • Fins: Improve ankle flexibility, increase speed, and help you feel proper body position and propulsion. Great for building your leg strength and refining kick technique.
     
  • Pull Buoy: Isolates your upper body by keeping your hips afloat, allowing you to focus on arm mechanics and build your upper body strength without kicking.
     
  • Paddles: Enhance your stroke awareness and build power by increasing resistance in the water. It helps you feel the catch and improve hand positioning.
     
  • Snorkel: Promotes better body alignment and technique by removing the need to turn the head to breathe. It is ideal for focusing on your stroke mechanics and rhythm.
     
  • Kickboard: Targets leg strength and kick efficiency. It allows you to isolate the lower body and develop endurance and proper kicking form.

Caution: Overusing Paddles in Training

While paddles are excellent for building strength and improving stroke technique, overuse can lead to injury and poor habits:

  • Shoulder Strain: Paddles increase resistance, which can overload the shoulder joints and muscles if used excessively or with poor form. This raises the risk of rotator cuff injuries and swimmer’s shoulder.
     
  • Technique Breakdown: Relying too much on paddles may mask flaws in stroke mechanics. Swimmers might develop bad habits, such as dropping elbows or overreaching, which are harder to correct later.
     
  • Fatigue and Imbalance: Overuse can cause muscular fatigue and imbalance between upper and lower body development, especially if not paired with kick sets or full-stroke work.

Best Practice: Use paddles in moderation with proper technique. Combine with drills, pull buoys, and rest intervals to maximize benefits while minimizing risk.

Risks of Fin Overuse

  • Kick dependency: You may rely on fins for propulsion, which can lead to a weak natural kick.
  • Altered stroke mechanics: Fins can change timing and rhythm, especially in strokes like butterfly or breaststroke.
  • Reduced aerobic benefit: Fins can make sets easier, reducing cardiovascular challenge if used too often.
  • Injury risk: Overuse can lead to ankle or calf strain, especially if you aren't conditioned for fin work.

Best Practices

  • Use fins strategically—for specific drills, technique work, or speed sets.
  • Mix fin sets with non-fin sets to maintain kick strength and stroke integrity.
  • Best to focus on kick technique even when using fins.
  • Limit fin use to 20–30% of total yardage in a practice, unless there's a specific reason (e.g., injury recovery).

Have a great week!

Coach Mark


2. UPCOMING EVENTS

USMS 3000/6000-yard Virtual Championship: Now through November 15
Event Information

Aqua Knuckles SCM Fall Classic SCM Meet: November 15-16
La Cañada Flintridge
Registration

SPMS SCM Championship Meet: Fri-Sun, December 5-7  
Long Beach City College, Long Beach
Registration is Open

Masters Annual Holiday Party: Friday, December 12
Location TBA

Polar Bear Club Challenge Starts: Saturday, December 13
Here's how to do it: Sign-ups are OPEN

Fabulous Las Vegas Masters SCY Meet: Saturday, January 17
Registration is Open


3. THANKSGIVING WILD FORK GIVE BACK

Have you done all your Thanksgiving shopping?

Well, fear not! ON Saturday, November 15, Wild Fork Mission Viejo (27785 Santa Margarita Pkwy.) is hosting an ALL-DAY shopping event to raise proceeds for the Nadadores! Shop ANY TIME Saturday and Wild Fork will donate 15% of applicable sales back to the Nadadores!

*Note: ATTACHED FLYER REQUIRED. You must bring a printed copy of the flyer, a screenshot of the flyer, or mention the Nadadores when you check out.

 

4. TEAM SUPPORT SERVICE POLICY REMINDERS

25-26 Session 1 began on September 1, 2025. Each member has been assigned 6 hours of TEAM Support hours.

Nadadores Home Meets/Events

6 hrs. Session 1 - September 1 - March 31, 2026

Sunday, Sept 21– Mission Mile
Sunday, Oct 5 – SCM Meet
Sunday, Nov 8 & 9 – College Club Championship (Jobs are open)
Sunday, March 6 – SCY Meet

Would you like to view your service hour balance and history? Check out: https://www.gomotionapp.com/team/scmvnm/page/membership/team-unify-faqs

Questions? Email [email protected]

See dates and more info at MVN TEAM SERVICE HOURS SUPPORT PROGRAM

 
5. LOST AND FOUND

Lost and Found Items will be collected and donated on Monday, 11/17 at 5:00 pm.

Please take the opportunity to look through the lost and found before then to find any items that have been misplaced.

 

 

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