The Offseason - The 4 R's

Offseason: The Four R's for Success

As we transition from an outstanding final meet into our offseason and preseason training phases, it’s essential to understand the importance of this period. Throughout the year, we've pushed our mental and physical limits. The offseason is a time to relax, rebuild, and recharge, preventing burnout and maintaining motivation.

1. Relax: After swimming hundreds of miles and enduring intense competition, you deserve a break. Ease up during practice. If you've focused on one stroke for the past few months, try a different one. For example, if you're a breaststroker, work on your backstroke kick. This change not only gives your primary muscles a rest but also strengthens supporting muscles.

2. Rebuild: Offseason is the perfect time to revisit the fundamentals. Start from the basics and rebuild your stroke. Our training will emphasize kicking, head position, and steady swimming. Expect a high volume of yards at around 50-65% effort. This slower pace allows for better focus on form and technique.

3. Recharge: Address any lingering injuries now. Focus on stretching and strengthening the muscles around the injury before the intensity of training picks up again. It's also crucial to recharge mentally. Spend time outdoors, play frisbee in the park, or engage in any activity you enjoy.

Aug 5-9th: We'll take off the week of August 5-9th to focus on administrative goals for the offseason. This time allows coaches and teams to evaluate performances, analyze strengths and weaknesses, and develop strategies for the upcoming season while reviewing and uploading swim footage, adjusting training plans, and set new goals that will help us start the 2024-25 season strong.

4. Register: Parents, registration will open for current swimmers August 5-9th. Currently all spots are full!!!  Our board, staff and team were successful in strategically restructuring our team and systematically lowering our group numbers to ensure our current atheltes have more room to grow and perform.

Please be sure to register before August 9th so that you do not lose your spot!

The mental demands of competition are intense. The offseason provides a crucial break to reset mentally and recharge the neurological system, keeping us motivated and ready for the challenges ahead.