Reply To: Bob Bowman on USRPT
Interesting use of words “concern” and “experimenting on these 8-12 year olds”. We had no problem back in the 70s and 80s having 8-12 year olds kids going doubles 4-5 times a week, some went 11 workouts a week for weeks on end, espicially 11-12 girls with the big drive for Juniors and no one voiced concern and at that time we had very little science to back up anything we were doing. You just did what everyone else was doing or kinda experimenting.
I think if you read or reread Dr. Rushall’s you find that he actually was a pretty good plan for the younger swimmers and a MUCH better progression for development and it’s pretty simple: focus on technique, swim fast, refocus on technique, swim fast again and refocus on technique.
“and obviously Michael Phelps has had lots of success with what he has been doing.” I guess it depends on how you define “success” winning medals then yes. Going faster? The last time he had a best time in the 100 and 200 fly was 09 at WC the 200IM was 2011, again all those hours of training year after year and no improvement?
“It’s hard to do this with a large workout group. Just my observation.” We currently have 35 age groupers in 6 lanes that are using USRPT protocol and have been able to manage it (didn’t say it was easy). For them it’s really about teaching them the process i.e. focus on technical skill, being accountable for time/numbers and going fast in practice, so when they move up to the senior group that have a pretty solid understanding of what and how things are done.
Sorry for the long post.
"Only in America. Dream in red, white and blue"
