The link for the same article on the Swimming World Magazine
Unplanned Training Effects on Age Group Swimmers
By C. Moemen Arafa
Introduction: Understanding Unplanned Training in Youth
Swimming
In today’s competitive youth sports environment, unplanned
training (UPT) is becoming a significant issue for age group swimmers. Despite
the best intentions, many parents and even coaches contribute to this problem,
often unaware of the negative effects it can have on the young athlete's
development. Unplanned training is not just a minor misstep but a widespread
issue that can affect performance, physical development, and mental well-being.
Understanding and addressing this problem is crucial for the long-term success
of young swimmers.
What Exactly Is Unplanned Training?
Unplanned training happens when young swimmers are subjected
to extra training sessions outside their regular practice schedule, without the
knowledge or consent of their primary swim coach. This can take the form of
additional swim practice or extra dryland training, often arranged by parents
eager to see quicker progress. The idea of “more is better” is a common
misconception, but in reality, these extra sessions can do more harm than good.
Why? Because young athletes already follow carefully
designed training programs that take into account their physical development,
recovery needs, and skill progression. Adding extra, unsupervised training
throws this balance off, leading to overtraining and increased risk of injury.
The Damage Caused by Unplanned Training
Unplanned training creates a range of problems for young
swimmers, but the root causes can typically be traced back to two sources:
1. Coaches Pushing for Quick Results: Some coaches, often
driven by a desire to produce quick improvements, fail to implement a gradual,
step-by-step approach in their training programs. Without a long-term vision,
young athletes are pushed too hard, too soon.
2. Parental Pressure: Parents, eager for their children to
succeed, may arrange for additional private training sessions outside the
primary swim program. They often believe that more training will lead to faster
results, but without proper coordination with the head coach, this extra
training can be counterproductive.
The Ripple Effects of Unplanned Training
Parents and coaches should be aware that unplanned training
impacts swimmers in several significant ways, affecting not only their physical
health but also their mental state and long-term performance.
1. Physical Consequences:
Young athletes need adequate recovery time, typically
between 24 to 48 hours, after intensive training. When additional unplanned
training is added into the mix, the athlete’s muscles don't have time to
properly recover. This leads to muscle damage, inefficient adaptation, and even
increased levels of oxidative stress, which can harm muscle tissue and slow
down recovery.
Oxidative stress, caused by an excess of free radicals
(byproducts of normal metabolic processes), can damage cells and muscle
tissues. Antioxidant-rich foods like berries, oranges, and mangoes can help
combat this, but without adequate recovery time, the damage can accumulate.
2. Impact on Bone Development:
In young swimmers, especially those between the ages of 9 to
14, growth plates in their bones are still soft and developing. Heavy
resistance or weight training without proper supervision can cause premature
closure of these growth plates, potentially stunting growth and leading to
long-term bone issues. Parents may believe that more strength training will
make their children faster in the water, but improperly structured strength
training can do the opposite.
3. Mental and Emotional Strain:
The mental toll of unplanned training can be just as
damaging. Overtraining can lead to mental burnout, dulling the swimmer's
motivation and enthusiasm for the sport. Conflicting coaching
philosophies—where a swimmer is hearing different advice from their primary
coach and their private trainer—can cause confusion and frustration. A young
swimmer might struggle with which guidance to follow, leading to a lack of
confidence during practices and competitions.
Technique Development and Unplanned Training
Proper technique is crucial for swimmers, but mastering
technique takes time and patience. Swimmers need to first perfect their strokes
at slower speeds before gradually introducing speed into their technique work.
However, when unplanned training adds extra practice during critical phases
like tapering (the rest phase before competitions), it can sabotage a swimmer’s
performance by depleting their energy reserves.
During tapering, muscles need to store as much glycogen (muscle fuel) as possible to ensure peak performance in races. Unplanned, intense training during this time can burn through these glycogen reserves, leaving the swimmer tired and unable to perform at their best.
The Global Perspective: Why Unplanned Training Is a
Widespread Issue
The problem of unplanned training is not limited to a
specific region or country; it’s a global concern. Many swim coaches worldwide
report similar challenges with parents or club management pushing for more
training in the hopes of faster results. However, data shows that this approach
rarely works. In fact, up to 80% of age-group swimming champions never make it
to the senior level, much less become national or international champions.
Early success doesn’t necessarily equate to long-term success.
Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) and Why It Matters
One solution to the problem of unplanned training is a clear
understanding of Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD). LTAD is a framework that
ensures young athletes are training, competing, and recovering in a way that
supports their long-term athletic career, rather than focusing on short-term
gains.
Scientific studies suggest that it takes about 10 years—or
roughly 10,000 hours—of deliberate practice to reach an elite level in sports.
There are no shortcuts. Proper development takes time, and it’s critical that
young swimmers follow a structured, well-coordinated program. This ensures they
are building the foundation they need to succeed, not just in their youth but
throughout their athletic career.
Coordinating Private Training with the Primary Coach
Private training isn’t necessarily bad. In fact, it can be
incredibly beneficial if it’s done in coordination with the primary coach.
Communication is key. The head coach should be aware of all additional training
sessions to ensure they fit into the swimmer's overall plan, balancing
intensity, rest, and recovery.
When different coaches have different philosophies or when private sessions are conducted without the knowledge of the main coach, it can create confusion for the swimmer and disrupt their overall development. The solution is simple: collaboration and communication between all parties involved.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Long-Term Success Over Quick
Fixes
Unplanned training is a growing issue in youth sports, and
its effects can be damaging both physically and mentally. Coaches, parents, and
club management must recognize that long-term athlete development should always
be the priority. Pushing for quick results through extra, unplanned training is
a short-sighted approach that can lead to burnout, injury, and a loss of
motivation in young swimmers.
Instead, focus on building a strong foundation with proper
planning, communication, and an emphasis on gradual improvement. The true path
to success in swimming isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon that requires patience,
discipline, and a long-term vision.
Key Points:
- Coaches should create structured, long-term development
plans for young athletes.
- Parents must resist the urge to add extra training without
consulting the primary coach.
- Communication between coaches and parents is crucial to prevent overtraining and burnout.
In the end, swimming champions are made through steady,
focused development—not through shortcuts or unplanned training.
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