Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students are expected to have acquired:
Knowledge of:
- The fundamental training principles of swimming.
- Methods of teaching swimming training and their practical application.
- The integration of theory and practice in coaching, including the prioritization of energy systems according to the demands of each swimming event.
- The synthesis of knowledge from exercise physiology, biochemistry, and pedagogy to design improved and innovative programs and methods aimed at enhancing swimming performance.
- The selection and design of appropriate and individualized training programs to improve the performance of swimmers.
Skills
- Analysis of data related to swimming coaching and development of appropriate strategies for their application.
- Design, documentation, and evaluation of training programs based on contemporary scientific and pedagogical approaches.
- Development of leadership and management skills for guiding teams and individual athletes, with a parallel understanding of their needs and emotional states.
Abilities
- Ability to work independently as well as collaborate effectively in the context of implementing successful swimming training sessions.
- Initiative-taking and responsibility for the smooth operation and advancement of a swimming team.
- Critical evaluation and adjustment of training programs when deemed necessary.
- Development of creative thinking and adaptability in the constantly changing and demanding environments of competitive swimming.
Course Content (Syllabus)
Course Purpose and Description
The aim of this course is to cultivate a comprehensive and holistic understanding of swimming training, as well as to provide thorough and systematic instruction in the academic subject of swimming. Particular emphasis is placed on training principles, biological systems, biochemical energy production pathways, the development of training programs, and the long-term and annual planning of training cycles. The course is structured around a dual approach: on the one hand, it incorporates the theoretical analysis of training principles governing swimming; on the other hand, it emphasizes the practical application of these principles, taking into account both the pedagogical dimension of the training process and the needs of the participants. The instructional structure of the course is organized into three main modules:
(a) the introductory module, which presents training principles, swimming physiology, and energy systems;
(b) the module focusing on the management of swimmers during training sessions, with the aim of enhancing the effectiveness of the training process; and
(c) the practical module, which involves the experiential application of the entire curriculum through hands-on training and practical exercises.
Course Objectives
The course aims to:
- Present the fundamental principles of swim training.
- Examine the role of energy systems in swimming performance.
- Address the organization of individual and group training sessions.
- Explore pedagogical approaches to implementing training programs.
- Bridge theoretical concepts with practical applications of training principles in swimming.
- Enhance the swimming competency of participants.
Weekly Schedule – Content – Learning Outcomes
Week 1 – Introduction – The Training Process – Organization (Knowledge)
Week 2 – Physical and Training Characteristics of Swimmers (Knowledge)
Week 3 – Adaptations, Load, and Progression (Knowledge)
Week 4 – Energy Systems and Training Zones (Knowledge)
Week 5 – Training Methods and Modalities (Knowledge)
Week 6 – Practical Applications in Training (Knowledge – Skill)
Week 7 – Long-Term Training Planning (Knowledge – Skill)
Week 8 – Annual Training Planning (Knowledge – Skill)
Week 9 – Lactate and Its Applications in Training (Knowledge)
Week 10 – Testing in Swimming (Knowledge)
Week 11 – Dry-Land Training for Swimmers (Knowledge)
Week 12 – From Theory to Practice – Implementation of Training Programs and Feedback – Understanding Training Principles to Maximize Swimmer Performance; Development of Ideas (Skill – Ability)
Week 13 – Final Project Presentations. Comprehensive Review of Learning Outcomes and Evaluation – Presentation, Critical Analysis, and Assessment (Ability)
Teaching Methods
The course will be delivered through a variety of active learning approaches, which will include:
- Lectures accompanied by in-class participatory discussions.
- Group work in small, interdisciplinary teams, fostering collaborative learning.
- Development of oral presentation skills through experiential exercises conducted in the classroom setting.
Learning Resources & Materials
Students will have access to a range of academic resources, primarily provided through the e-learning platform. These educational materials will include: weekly study notes, indicative supplementary bibliography for further exploration, as well as selected case studies relevant to the sport of swimming.