Guy Edson is an ASCA Level 5 Age Group Coach and a long time clinic speaker on all things related to age group coaching. In this clinic presentation, he arms you with the tools you need to create the most productive age group specific workouts possible.

Edson believes that to create a well thought out, goal based plan you need to develop workouts by objective rather than by yardage, while at the same time integrating your personal training philosophy to create a system that works for you.

This DVD provides tools to create workouts that produce greater results and an environment that is more fun for coaches and swimmers. This, in turn, leads to greater job stability and greater support of your age group program.

Edson's workout design process is targeted to swimmers ages 9-12, but the system also works well for younger developmental swimmers and developmental high school groups. Edson's goal-based plan is centered on meeting the physiological, psychological and developmental needs of the age group swimmer.

Edson presents nine basic components of an age group workout that include aerobic base conditioning, awesome kicking, learning how to race, long quality swims and sprinting. These components meet the technical aspects of skill development, while mixing in competitiveness and fun. Each component is explored in detail with examples. He also looks to cycle "points of focus" into workouts based upon specific periods of the season. This leads into a segment that assists a coach in creating a seasonal plan based upon objectives. In turn, the seasonal plan becomes a road map for workout construction.

Edson details 20 ideas for writing and running a great practice. These ideas come from years of hands on age group coaching experience and serve as an invaluable guide to creating, executing and coaching a great workout. These ideas include a discussion of how to group swimmers, working with a wide range of abilities, how to be creative, how to incorporate your assistant coaches, and how to end practices with something exciting. Edson includes a segment on how to write various types of sets including straight stroke sets and complex sets that offer greater variety and more relevance to racing or stroke development.

Included throughout this presentation are invaluable tools to engage your swimmers and create high productivity and more enjoyment both for the coach running the workout and for the swimmers.

This program is an essential tool for all coaches wanting to improve the efficiency of their workouts.

59 minutes. 2011.

This presentation highlights the technical elements that are critical to swimming great technical freestyle. Kredich's innovative drills isolate the most critical positions for attaining forward momentum on the straightest line possible!

ON DECK
Coach Kredich begins on the Vasa Trainer with a physics discussion involving drag forces that a swimmer is faced with when swimming freestyle. This discussion and demonstration shows how to use the levers of the arm while engaging the lats, back and core. Kredich demonstrates how executing a deep catch and then applying pressure on as much surface area on the water as possible in the direction that you want the body to go offers the most effective way to generate forward momentum with each arm pull. This science made simple demonstration incorporates positioning and movement through the entry, catch, pull, finish and recovery. Kredich next shows the basis of long axis swimming with demonstrations of how to execute rotation with good hip stability utilizing boxing gloves.

IN THE POOL
In the Kick segment, Kredich reviews the goals of the leg movement required to execute an effective flutter kick. He includes three drills that work on vertical kicking and "speed position" kicking.

This leads into a one arm freestyle drill that trains the entry into the catch position - perhaps the most critical arm movement of the stroke. The kick, the pull and the rotation are critical elements of moving the fingertips down and forward to attain a deep catch position. Kredich presents two unique drills that help isolate the deep catch position with a focus on core connection for better balance and line.

Kredich combines the elements of the body position, kicking and deep catch drills into a full stroke demonstration.

Building upon the deep catch concept, Kredich presents a three-drill series that trains the swimmer to be aware of critical elements of the stroke, including sculling. He also shows a very unique sequence that forces the swimmer to connect the core to the deep catch and forearm anchor concept.

In a segment on Recovery, Kredich discusses varying recovery styles that may best suit each individual swimmer. He presents a five-drill sequence that combines the elements of the deep catch to the recovery, breathing and timing of the stroke offering a variety of ways to let the swimmer feel various stroke elements. Again, this skill set sequence is followed with a series of full stroke demonstrations.

Order now and learn the newest, most efficient ways to move through the water in freestyle!

84 minutes. 2011.

Generate maximum force to propel your body toward a personal best!

On Deck
Coach Kredich begins this presentation on deck with a physics lesson on the movement properties of the backstroke. The movement properties are clearly illustrated using a Vasa Trainer, making it easy to view and understand these critical concepts.

Though scientific, Kredich simplifies the science of the stroke.

Kredich specifies arm action to teach when it is important to minimize drag and when it is imperative to maximize drag by presenting a greater surface area to generate maximum forward momentum. This discussion involves specific hand placement upon entry and how to use the levers of the arm to generate force through the arm pull and the finish.

Kredich next shows boxing drills that teach a swimmer how to engage the entire body in rotational movements that are strong and stable.

Moving to the Kick, Kredich uses the Vasa Trainer to show how to present surface area of the feet and legs to the direction of the flow. Also, how best to send water back with the feet to generate forward propulsion. In the water, Kredich presents a 5-step drill progression designed to teach the kicking concepts for backstroke. You'll see how to connect the kick with rotation and then progress into connecting the kick into the recovery, catch position and arm pull.

In the Pool
Kredich shows the power a backstroker can get from proper arm action. He includes four drills for teaching swimmers great arm pull. Kredich specifies the focus of each drill and how it technically connects to the full stroke.

The Catch segment features three unique drills to train your swimmer to get the hand into a catch position that is loaded and ready to generate force.

A full stroke backstroke segment follows showing how each of the drills connects to various focus points of the stroke.

In the Stabilization segment, Kredich presents four drills dedicated to keeping the hips stable in the stroke, an area that Kredich believes is imperative to successful backstroke swimming. These drills force the swimmer to engage the abdominals to help with stabilization of the hips.

In Dolphin Kick Drills, Kredich uses eight drills to teach and train the kick-out that includes the entire process from the push-off into the dolphin kick, and through the transition into the breakout arm stroke and the flutter kick transition. Drills in this segment make the swimmer realize how to develop explosiveness by understanding the technique of the dolphin kick and feeling the power that can be generated in a single kick.

As an added bonus, Kredich presents three drills that are designed to assist the swimmer in finding the proper catch position.

Kredich ends this presentation with demonstrations of full stroke backstroke that combines all of the elements that he has presented for swimming a fast, fluid technical backstroke.

92 minutes. 2011.

Learn how to generate maximum speed and power by applying every possible force to the water!

ON DECK
Matt Kredich begins by discussing the physics of drag in the breastroke. Using a Vasa Trainer, he discusses the challenges of arm and leg movement in the stroke and the importance of connecting this movement with proper body positioning and timing.

Specifically, he discusses the importance of low drag in the glide phase of the stroke vs. achieving maximum drag forces in the propulsive phases of the stroke. Kredich makes the science simple with his easy to understand descriptions and on-deck demonstrations.

A unique Swiss ball exercise demonstrates the importance of engaging the core during the pull phase to help the swimmer hold a great body line in the water. Utilizing a boxing glove drill to train the "lunge" recovery phase, Kredich demonstrates how to move the arms forward in a straight line by engaging the hips and core to allow the swimmer to better explode forward with greater power.

In the Kick segment, Kredich again uses a Vasa Trainer demonstration to teach all aspects and nuances of a great breaststroke kick. Kredich moves into the weight room for a demonstration on body positioning and how to assist a swimmer to develop a tall straight line posture in the water. This includes an evaluation of hip flexor flexibility and how to stretch tight hip flexors to assist in attaining a much straighter body line in the water.

IN THE POOL
Kredich starts with three drills that he feels help develop a highly efficient kick. Connecting a vertical kick drill to the pulling movement, Kredich has his demonstrators perform vertical pulling with kicking, which forces explosiveness in the stroke and kick and quickness and efficiency in the arm recovery into streamline.

Kredich adds three drills that work to connect the kick to body position and work the timing of the kick. Kredich moves into the pull phase of the stroke with two pull-isolation drills that forces the swimmer to maximize forward momentum from every single pull. Kredich brings the recovery into focus with three specific drills to train a fast, efficient and forward focused recovery action. He follows with a pull efficiency drill that heighten the sensation of the pull with increased resistance on the arms.

In the Breaststroke pullout segment, Kredich discusses the strategies of where best to implement the dolphin kick that is allowed in the pullout. His teaching includes isolating the actual dolphin kick before connecting it to the entire pullout. Focus areas of the Kredich-taught pullout include a strong streamline, early dolphin kick, a pulldown that vaults the body forward and a tight recovery with a strong kick into the breakout stroke.

Kredich has his demonstrators perform full stroke swimming of the breaststroke that highlights all of the skill set areas covered in building the entire stroke. With demonstrations from a male and two female elite level breaststrokers, you will get a contrasting look at varying styles of the stroke that all incorporate the same technical aspects.

77 minutes. 2011.

This is one of the most uniquely informative freestyle technique DVDs that has ever been produced.

Ian Pope dedicates this presentation to comparing and contrasting the technical nuances of the distance freestyle of three-time Olympic Gold Medalist Grant Hackett to that of Australian sprinter Matt Targett, a 2008 Olympic medalist and NCAA champion at Auburn. Both of these greats swam under Pope.

Pope's nine-part instruction focuses on:

• Body Alignment - Learn the ideal body positions for overall freestyle success, which includes etching the most efficient body "line" possible. To train this ideal position, Pope includes drills for both the sprint and distance events.
• Kick - Pope compares and contrasts the powerful sprint kick that Targett incorporates to that of the 2-beat and sometime 4-beat kick that Hackett uses to maximize energy output in the distance events. Pope also touches on the need for the distance swimmer to finish with an aggressive 6-beat kick.
• Contrasting Sprint and Distance Arm Strokes - Take a critical look at the more open recovery that many sprinters like Targett have implemented into their strokes. He compares this technique to the traditional lower high elbow and relaxed recovery of Grant Hackett.
• Stroke Timing Differences - Pope shows each swimmer's ability to hold pressure on the water while each uses different timing in the stroke to achieve maximum efficiency for their respective events.
• Drills to Improve Freestylers - Learn 10 drills you can use to teach a powerful and efficient freestyle stroke.
• Breathing Timing - Pope breaks down the essentials to breathing at the most ideal time in the arm cycle, while maintaining technical efficiency.
• Starts - Every phase of a great freestyle start is included: block foot position, block balance, preferred hand position and grip, what the hands and arms do, what the feet and legs do and how to attain maximum drive off of the block into a great breakout. Get relay change over instruction that shows two different styles of the relay take offs.
• Turns - Pope demonstrates his proven 4-step sequence for teaching a great freestyle turn. Included is the approach into the wall, the planting of the feet, the push off and streamline off of the wall. He then shows the breakout and breakout stroke.

Order now and start putting Pope's experience, success and wisdom to work for your team!

52 minutes. 2011.

with Ian Pope, Melbourne Vicentre Swimming Club Head Coach, Olympic and National Team Coach for Australia

Ian Pope shares the key fundamentals he's used in developing legendary Australian Olympic backstroker Matt Welsh and many other world class Australian backstrokers.

Pope's teaching progression includes:

• Body Line: Enable your swimmers to swim tall in the water by teaching them to align their body in the least resistive position possible. Pope connects this body position to the arm cycle demonstrating how to maintain a favorable body position through the arm action with a good catch and body rotation.
• Backstroke Kick: Learn detailed mechanics of good kicking including both the upward and downward motion of the flutter kick. Pope also demonstrates three activities for developing speed and power in the kick.
• Arm Action: Train your swimmers to enter and catch in the "power zone!" Pope demonstrates a series of drills that connect proper body line, recovery, catch, and press-through with proper rotation to assist in helping the swimmer groove a feel for the full stroke.
• Breathing & Stroke Efficiency: Pope discusses the importance of stroke count to assist the swimmer in generating maximum efficiency and includes tips for developing, training and utilizing the underwater kick as a weapon for successful racing.
• Backstroke Starts & Turns: See all aspects of great starts and turns including: The block set up, body motion, clean entry into the water, a simple, efficient turn sequence and more.
• Underwater Fly Kick: Learn a whole body undulation on the fly kick, along with tips on the technical aspects of applying pressure on both the down and up kick actions of the fly kick.
• Breakouts: Pope shows how to transition from the fly kick into the breakout stroke with an emphasis on timing of the first and second strokes off of a start or turn.
• Finishes: Achieve the proper line for a fast and effective finish!

This presentation gives you the key components of backstroke, along with the tips and drills to assist your swimmers in grooving a great feel for the stroke!

53 minutes. 2011.

World renowned swim coach Ian Pope presents the technique, drills and skills he uses to train world class swimmers. Pope acknowledges that this stroke is perhaps the most difficult to coach as the key to success hinges upon great timing and good technique.

Pope starts his breaststroke analysis by showing how to attain the proper body balance to produce a forward-focused stroke. From the streamlined body position, he details the arm action sequence that is necessary to anchor with the hands and arms that allows for the connection from the core through the body. Pope presents the concept of driving the core to the hands from the anchor position on the insweep before releasing the hands into the stroke recovery.

Pope next dissects the hand, head and body connection that allows the swimmer to drive forward on a straight line back into the base starting position of the stroke. This stroke analysis provides the base for the drills that train each aspect of the stroke.

Pope then takes you through a detailed seven-part demonstration of the breaststroke:

• Arm Action Drills: Get a 10-drill progression for the arm action of the breaststroke that will assist your swimmers in developing a better feel for the stroke.
• Kicking: Pope provides an on-deck demonstration of the key components of the breaststroke kick, showing how to maximize power in the movement. He demonstrates 13 drills to train and enhance the kick.
• Timing: Pope shares strategies to enhance flow and length of the stroke.
• Starts: Learn the mechanics of the block start along with the nuances for the breaststroke-specific start.
• Underwater Pullout: Maximize your power and distance of off of starts and turns.
• Turns: See a three-drill progression to teach the breaststroke turn. These drills reinforce a tight, tuck-fast spin incorporating quick hand action. All essential skills for a fast breaststroke turn.
• Finishes: Pope teaches the techniques for a favorable finish position.
• Speed Development: Pope shares techniques he uses to train breaststroke speed before reviewing all aspects of the full stroke.

Ian Pope has coached world class swimmers such as Marieke Guerher, Michael Klim, Matt Welsh, Grant Hackett, and Matt Targett. Now you can bring Pope's proven techniques to your pool!

53 minutes. 2011.

In this presentation from Australia's Melbourne Vicentre Swimming Club, head coach Ian Pope shares the technical skill set for swimming incredible butterfly.

This seven-part presentation begins with a breakdown of the whole butterfly stroke. Pope starts with the exit of the hands into recovery discussing the arm action of the recovery in relation to the body and head position. He then discusses the catch or anchor position, offering tips for getting the hands and elbows into the ideal "power position" to shift the body to come up and over the arm stroke.

Pope details the technical differences in the arm action of sprint butterflyers vs that of the 200 flyer and includes the kick differences of sprint fly and distance fly. Learn the proper body positioning for each phase of the stroke that separate the best butterflyers from the pack. Pope also details the similarities of the hand in-sweep position under the body with his world class flyers.

The DVD also features:

• Arm Movement - Pope teaches two drills that focus on the arm movement coordinating with good body position and anchoring with a good high elbow catch.
• Rhythm and Timing - Learn the key elements to attain ideal timing. Pope feels the key to proper timing is in the connection of the hips to the catch position and the hip position on the exit of the stroke, while all the time focusing on a tight, forward focused undulation on the water.
• Butterfly Start - Pope presents the forward start skill set and connects it to a butterfly breakout. This segment includes block positioning of the feet, legs, hands and arms and instruction on generating maximum power off of the blocks and carrying that speed into the water for a great streamline and breakout.
• Turns and Breakouts - Discover four turn drills you can use to train a tight and fast turn into the breakout. Learn strategies for the fly breakout and specifics on when to begin the dolphin kick off of the wall.
• Breathing and Breathing Patterns - Pope offers breathing pattern strategies for the 50, 100 and 200 races. Learn five drills to incorporate the breath with the timing of the stroke
• Coaching Young Butterflyers - Pope takes a small group of younger swimmers through a stroke progression, complete with drills to teach all of the key fundamentals of efficient butterfly. Throughout this segment, Pope offers invaluable tips for teaching and coaching the butterfly more effectively with your younger swimmers.

Pope has also coached Australian greats such as Michael Klim, Matt Welsh, Grant Hackett, and Matt Targett.

Get proven, time-tested techniques from Ian Pope!

42 minutes. 2011.

31 minutes. 2010.

This series is a first-of-its-kind instructional series dedicated to coaching the developing swimmer. Each DVD delivers stroke, turn and start instruction in an individual setting followed by technique work in a group setting.

The unique group work segments provide coaches with a clear understanding of how use the technical instruction in a more "realistic" team setting. It also shows coaches how to progress their athletes through the skill levels for each stroke.

Not only will you see how to effectively teach the techniques for each stroke, but you will witness the country's top age group coaches working with their swimmers.

This series is perfect for any coach at the high school, club, age group, summer league, or junior high level facing the many challenges of coaching the developing swimmer.

2010.