Losing feel for best stroke

[Anonymous]

Have any parents experienced their high-level HS swimmer all of a sudden losing their feel for their best stroke? A stroke that they have always gotten sectionals and Futures cuts in before others. Coaches see the problem technically but no one has been able to correct it.

[Anonymous]

Happened to me as a swimmer. Took a couple years to work through it. Very frustrating. I focused on other strokes/events and just kept working hard. I don't think my stroke ever went back to what it was; I just got stronger and more fit, and learned how to work with a body that had grown. What works before puberty, such as coming really high out of the water, may not work after. Training might need to change too e.g. more race pace practice vs. lots of yardage. The real game changers were switching to a new club and coach in late high school, and then weight lifting and plyometrics in college. Look into whether a different club and their training style might be a better fit, and look into working with a certified strength and conditioning coach on weights/explosiveness training. The certification from NSCA or the like is key. It's easy to get hurt with bad form.

[Anonymous]

Thanks! It’s not a growing issue. All was fine in August and September and part of October.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks! It’s not a growing issue. All was fine in August and September and part of October.

How old? Still could be growth/maturation related even though you don't "see" any growth.

[Anonymous]

I would see how the December tapper meet goes before getting too worried. High level hs swimming has peaks and plateaus. My swimmer went almost two years without getting a best time in his best event.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks! It’s not a growing issue. All was fine in August and September and part of October.

How old? Still could be growth/maturation related even though you don't "see" any growth.

+1. Growth isn’t just about height. Changes to body fat and muscle change how you move through the water. High level swimmers will be aware of very small changes in their feel for the water. “Finding” the stroke again could require a change in how it’s swum. Someone who relied heavily on their kick might need to work on their pull more. Someone who had more of a windmill stroke might need to work on rotating and pulling more deeply. So many possible tweaks.

[Anonymous]

Thanks to those who replied! Hoping for the best.