Past Clinic: High Performance Butterfly and Breaststroke

Fairview, PA

A description of what was covered at this past clinic is below the upcoming clinics.

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Within 250 miles of Fairview, PA.

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Past Clinic

2012 Olympians Claire Donahue and Scott Weltz were both considered underdogs going into Olympic Trials.  However, both succeeded in making the Olympic Team by using their powerful technique, strong mental strategies, and a positive attitude. Donahue and Weltz will each share the technique and racing skills which they have aquired and used to beat swimmers bigger and "faster."  This Performance Clinic is 50% smaller than an Essential Clinic, which allows for a more advanced curriculum and closer engagement with the clinicians.  Swimmers ages 12 and over who attended the clinic in 2013 will benefit greatly and enjoy this high quality learning experience with Donahue and Weltz.  

Curriculum, High Performance Butterfly and Breaststroke - Erie, PA

RACING

BUTTERFLY

  • FEELING THE CATCH: Using various sculling drills Donahue will walk participants through each phase of the butterfly pull from the catch, to the middle power phase, and through the exit of the stroke. Learn how to initiate the catch with high elbows, resulting in holding as much water as possible.
  • UTILIZE THE UP KICK: Donahue excels at using both the downward as well as the upward portions of the butterfly kick.  She will teach a series of kicking drills, using different body positions that enhance the feel for a full of range of motion during the kick. 
  • PRESSING WITH THE CHEST: Butterfly movement starts with pressing the chest forward initiating a whip-like reaction through the body.  Donahue will teach drills that emphasize this movement and establish good undulation.

 BREASTSTROKE

  • OPEN ARM CATCH: Learn and practice technique for an open arm catch, pulling from the bodies strongest muscles to increase speed and maintain stroke length at the end of races.
  • RHYTHM AND TIMING: Learn the technique that Weltz uses for a “late kick” in breaststroke, which allows him to have a seamless, powerful transition into the stroke. 
  • BODY UNDULATION: Weltz will demonstrate and teach the skill of pressing forward with the chest and raising the hips higher on the surface of the water.  This helps create the feeling of swimming “downhill” and getting the most out of each glide.

WATCH THE CLINICIANS: Observe Donahue and Weltz swim at full speed and demonstrate a progression of perfectly executed drills to achieve powerful, efficient and fast butterfly and breaststroke.

GET UP AND RACE: Race two of the best swimmers in the world and watch their near-flawless technique - achieved by practicing the same drills they will teach you.

HEAR FROM CLAIRE AND SCOTT

  • BODY AWARENESS: Practice key techniques on land that will directly transfer to the water. Find the optimal body line and learn to strengthen the muscles that are essential to establishing good body control.
  • REACTION TIME: An important aspect of every start is the reaction time.  Donahue will work with swimmers on land to make swimmers reaction quicker in order to get in the water faster.
  • BREASTSTROKE FLEXIBILITY: Maintaining flexibility allows for faster swimming and greater range of motion.  Weltz will lead swimmers in a series of exercises to stretch out the hip flexors, elbows, and other joints that are key to breaststroke.
  • ASK QUESTIONS: Swimmers and parents are invited to ask the clinicians questions during a Q&A session.  Hear the Olympians talk and gain insight into their training regimen, diet and nutrition, and recovery tactics.
  • PERFORMANCE MINDSET: Get inside the minds of two of the best swimmers in the world.  Donahue and Weltz will dissect their stroke and explain what they think about when they swim in practices and races.

Take a photo while wearing clinicians' medals, get autographs, and pick up a full color Fitter & Faster Tour 2014-2015 Yearbook and a special welcome bag that contains gifts from our sponsors!

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