Top 15 Youth U.S. Swim Teams & How Personalized Coaching Fills Performance Gaps for Youth Swimmers

/ Train Daly, LLC/
Top 15 Youth U.S. Swim Teams & How Personalized Coaching Fills Performance Gaps for Youth Swimmers

For elite youth swimmers aiming for NCAA or national team success, finding the right swim club can be challenging. This blog highlights the top 15 U.S. swim programs and explores how personalized coaching, including technique analysis, dryland programming, and sports psychology, can supplement team training and fill gaps in performance development. Learn how Train Daly coaching helps swimmers reach their full potential, even in the most competitive environments.​

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The Magic5 Custom Goggles: A Game-Changer for Swimmers

/ Train Daly, LLC/
The Magic5 Custom Goggles: A Game-Changer for Swimmers

Experience unmatched comfort and precision with Magic5 custom goggles, designed specifically for swimmers who demand the best. Unlike traditional one-size-fits-all goggles, Magic5 utilizes advanced facial scanning technology to create a perfect fit tailored to your unique face shape. As a competitive masters and open water swimmer, I made the switch from Swedish goggles, which I used throughout my age-group and college career, to Magic5, and the difference is extraordinary. Since adopting Magic5, I've experienced fewer leaks, less drag, and unparalleled comfort during every swim. Whether you're training for your next race or just looking to enhance your swimming experience, these custom goggles are a game-changer. Plus, you can get 20% off your order with the discount code DALY20. Explore Magic5's range of swim gear, including kickboards, pull-buoys, finger paddles, snorkels, and even kid-sized goggles, to elevate your performance in and out of the water.

Discover the Magic5 difference and revolutionize your swimming today!

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The Ultimate Open Water Swimming Guide: Your Checklist to a Successful Swim

/ Train Daly/
The Ultimate Open Water Swimming Guide: Your Checklist to a Successful Swim

Open water swimming offers a unique thrill, but preparation is key for a safe and successful experience. From mastering race starts and sighting techniques to selecting the best open-water swimming goggles and wetsuits, this comprehensive checklist has you covered. Learn how to handle feeding, navigate turns, adapt to weather conditions, and stay safe in different water types. Whether you're training for open-water swimming events or just diving in for fun, this guide ensures you're ready to tackle every challenge confidently. Ready to dive in? Read the full article!

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The Sleep Dilemma: Quantity vs. Quality – Separating Science from Wearable Hype

/ Train Daly/
The Sleep Dilemma: Quantity vs. Quality – Separating Science from Wearable Hype

This blog post explores the age-old debate between sleep quantity and sleep quality, examining the benefits of each as supported by scientific evidence. It also discusses the limitations of consumer wearables like the Whoop, Apple Watch, and Oura Ring in measuring sleep quality accurately. The post highlights the importance of achieving a balance between quantity and quality and how wearables can serve as behavioral change tools. Additionally, it relates these concepts to endurance athletes, specifically swimmers, and their sleep-related needs for performance and recovery.

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Overcoming Swimmer's Shoulder: My Journey to Overcome Shoulder Discomfort and Get Back to Sprint Swimming

/ Train Daly/
Overcoming Swimmer's Shoulder: My Journey to Overcome Shoulder Discomfort and Get Back to Sprint Swimming

Dive into the personal journey of a 42-year-old competitive swimmer and strength coach battling persistent left shoulder discomfort. This post details the onset of the shoulder issue that hindered sprint freestyle performance and the various treatment strategies attempted. Discover insights from an enlightening session with Dr. Alex Ewart, a physical therapist and swimming specialist, leading to a tailored treatment plan. Explore the specific exercises and therapeutic approaches aimed at addressing shoulder pain, including targeted strength training, mobility work, and soft tissue therapy. Follow this swimmer's quest to regain peak performance and manage chronic discomfort, offering valuable lessons for athletes facing similar challenges.

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Maximizing Swimming Performance in the Gym: The Myth of Sport-Specific Training

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Maximizing Swimming Performance in the Gym: The Myth of Sport-Specific Training

Discover how to boost your swimming performance with gym-specific training. Learn about the best compound exercises tailored to the unique joint actions and muscle groups used in different swimming strokes. Understand why focusing on deadlifts, squats, pull-ups, and rotation exercises can lead to significant improvements in your swimming strength and power. Whether you specialize in short axis strokes like butterfly and breaststroke, or long axis strokes such as freestyle and backstroke, this post guides you through the optimal gym workout for swimmers.

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Understanding Freestyle Kicking Tempos: The 2, 4, and 6-Beat Kick Swimming

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Understanding Freestyle Kicking Tempos: The 2, 4, and 6-Beat Kick Swimming

Dive into the nuances of freestyle swimming with our expert breakdown of the 2, 4, and 6-beat kick techniques. Learn how each style impacts your swim, the role of rhythm in propulsion, and tips for mastering these kicks for improved performance. Join us as we explore these essential swimming techniques for beginners and seasoned swimmers alike.

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Improving Swim Performance: The Importance of Body Composition in Elite Swimmers

/ Train Daly/
Improving Swim Performance: The Importance of Body Composition in Elite Swimmers

Body composition is crucial for athletic performance, particularly in swimming, a sport that demands high physicality. Elite swimmers' physical makeup is extensively studied due to its strong correlation with water performance. Measurements such as body mass, height, skinfolds, and lean mass index (LMI) are used for analysis.

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Sports Visualization and Meditation for Athletes: Mentally Preparing for the Big Event

/ Train Daly/
Sports Visualization and Meditation for Athletes: Mentally Preparing for the Big Event

Your heart and lungs are conditioned, and your muscles are strong and powerful, but they may not be the most important organs to your success as an athlete. The power of the mind cannot be understated, especially when it comes to performance. For athletes preparing for a significant event, mental preparation is just as crucial as physical training. Visualization exercises, rooted in sports psychology practices, meditation, mantra, and envisioning positive outcomes, have become essential tools for athletes aiming to achieve peak performance. This article delves into the world of visualization exercises and how they can make a difference for athletes on the big stage.

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