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Training - Water Polo Block

Posted by Glenn Mills on Jan 13, 2009 12:16PM (5,411 views)

Working the inner thigh for breaststroke, as well as developing quick, explosive power for starts, turns, and general racing is always a great idea, but sometimes tough to do in our sport.  This drill, borrowed from our friends in the water polo community, is tough, and accomplishes pretty much all of the above.


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Why Do It:
Water Polo Block is not only tough but also fun.  The eggbeater kick allows swimmers to work the inner thigh with less chance of injury, and the explosiveness of trying to climb out of the water helps build some of those QUICK muscles we sometimes miss with long training.

How to Do It:
1.  Start with a simple eggbeater kick while treading water.
2.  When the coach tells you to start, reach up and out of the water as HIGH as possible with your right arm.
3.  Come back down for a couple kicks, then explode out of the water again, reaching as high as possible with your left arm.
4.  Continue alternating for as long as your coach wants you to.

How to Do It Really Well (the Fine Points):
Don't use just your legs to lift out of the water.  You should also brace, or press, with the hand that's still in the water to push you up higher.  Try to get as much of your suit (or ANY of your suit if you're a guy) out of the water.  Maybe even position yourself under the flags for a REAL challenge.




Responses

Responded Jan 14, 2009 06:44AM

Very good drill for breaststroke legs! This drill is sculling drill for legs! I do this exercise with kids age of 9 to 11. We do this drill 25m and then 25m breaststroke legs on the back or normal. With this exercise we can do leg training more fun.

Responded Jan 14, 2009 06:53AM

I am always amazed how many different level of swimmers u have in the pool, when u are shooting the videos :)

A friend of mine used to be a water polo player. We used to "swim" (it was more chatting in the pool than swimming) together while me being injured and he... retired. It was unbelievely amazing for me how far and how fast he moves through the water using the eggbeater kick. He also does the following drill - lie on your back, with hips relatively deep in the water, and do egg beater kick to move backwards, instead of backstroke kick. hands are next to the body. u can do a little cull motion or u can cross your hands on the chest to make the drill more difficult. it's a lot of fun too.

Responded Jan 14, 2009 06:09PM

Hey Sprinter, cool hint with backwards .. thanks!

Responded Jan 15, 2009 09:03AM

Halberhai?! wait wait... I think I know you :o) . Cool to see u here *mwa*

Responded Jan 15, 2009 08:11PM

Very nice, I like to see how high I can get outa the water when doing those.

Responded Jan 18, 2009 04:43AM

Hi,it's really practical Tnx.


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