Fast Freestyle & Backstroke Technique Swim Camp (Ages 9 to 11)

Utoledo Rec Aquatic Center
2800 E Rocket Dr, Toledo, OH 43606

Countdown
  • 87days
  • 06hours
  • 31minutes
  • 31seconds

Introduction

Fitter & Faster is producing a 2-day swim camp for competitive swimmers ages 9 to 11 at the University of Toledo Rec Aquatic Center in Toledo, Ohio on March 15 & 16, 2025! This swim camp will be led by Elite Clinician and Olympic Gold Medalist, Nick Thoman. Click here for the swim camp page for ages 12 & over.

FAST FREESTYLE & BACKSTROKE TECHNIQUE SWIM CAMP (Ages 9 to 11)
-> DAY 1 (Saturday, March 15): Freestyle Technique
-> DAY 2 (Sunday, March 16): Backstroke Technique

Scroll down for details on the curriculum!
-> Availability in each session is limited to 24 participants to ensure the highest level learning experience.
-> SAVE when you purchase an “Entire Camp Bundle” for your swimmer.

SESSION START TIMES FOR BOTH DAYS: Check in 10:30 AM, Camp 10:45-1:15 PM

Suggested Participants

Our top priority is to provide a world-class learning experience for all participants at all of our camps. This camp has sessions for swimmers ages 9 to 11. Participants will range from one-year of competitive swimming experience to AAAA times and faster. If you are the parent of a child under the age of 9 and would like for your child to be considered for the younger sessions of this camp, please complete this questionnaire. If you are looking for the swim camp page for ages 12 & over, click here! 

Curriculum

FAST FREESTYLE & BACKSTROKE TECHNIQUE SWIM CAMP - March 15 & 16, 2025

Freestyle and backstroke utilize the same body position, posture, rotation, and an early “catch” to move down the pool with efficiency and speed. They are called the “long axis” strokes because swimmers rotate their hips and torso around their spine. Over two days, your swimmer, no matter their level, will improve their freestyle and backstroke technique, racing and training skills!

  • DAY 1 (Saturday, March 15): FREESTYLE DAY
  • DAY 2 (Sunday, March 16): BACKSTROKE DAY
  • Bodyline: On each day of this camp, participants will learn and practice proper posture and engagement of their core for better technique in freestyle and backstroke. Participants will learn how even the slightest adjustment of the chin, neck, and/or back can make a huge difference in creating more hydrodynamic and efficient strokes - for faster swimming!
  • Rotation: Freestyle and backstroke are fastest and most efficient when a swimmer’s body is “rotating” around their spine with each stroke. This part of swimming both strokes has a big effect on maintaining a proper bodyline. Participants will practice activating their core muscles to form a powerful connection from head to toe with every stroke they take! On Day 1 we will work on rotation skills for Freestyle and on Day 2 rotation skills for backstroke.
  • Kicking: While similar, the kick is different in freestyle and backstroke. In both strokes the kick is the motor behind their races! There are obviously proper and improper ways to kick which we will review on each day of this camp. Just as important, however, is practicing the complexities of how and when swimmers need to “shift gears” in their legs to become stronger and faster racers.
  • Pull: The pull in both freestyle and backstroke keeps a swimmer balanced and accelerating forward. Essentially the best swimmers are creating a paddle with every stroke. On each day of this camp, your clinicians will work with participants to establish an early vertical forearm “the catch”, enabling your swimmer to put immediate pressure back on the water. Properly completing the freestyle and backstroke arm-pull keeps the swimmer moving forward efficiently and fast.

ASK QUESTIONS

Swimmers and parents are invited to ask the clinicians questions during a Q&A session. Gain insight into their training regimen, diet and nutrition, and recovery tactics.

WATCH THE CLINICIANS

Observe clinicians swim at full speed and demonstrate a progression of perfectly executed drills to achieve powerful, efficient and fast swimming.

PUT YOUR SKILLS TO THE TEST

Throughout the camp, swimmers will practice what they've learned with some of the world's most elite Swimmer Clinicians and coaches!

Take a photo, get autographs, and chat with your clinicians!

Inquisitive, Educated Swimmers are Faster Swimmers! Sign up today!

Countdown
  • 87days
  • 06hours
  • 31minutes
  • 31seconds
Lead Clinician

Size matters so much less when you have great technique... and your clinician is living proof of that. At one point, Nick Thoman was known as the world's greatest short course swimmer in the world. His starts and turns were a weapon - he was shorter than most of his top competition, but HE was the world record holder in the 100 short course meter backstroke AND he is an Olympic gold medalist. Learn to weaponize great technique, no matter your size or strength, to improve at this clinic with Nick Thoman!