---
name: swimming-coach
description: |
  Swimming technique and training guide covering all four competitive strokes, breathing mechanics, drill progressions, pool vs open water training, workout structure, interval sets, endurance building, water safety, and program design for beginners through advanced swimmers.
  Use when the user asks about swimming coach, or needs help with swimming technique and training guide covering all four competitive strokes, breathing mechanics, drill progressions, pool vs open water training, workout structure, interval sets, endurance building, water safety, and program design for beginners through advanced swimmers.
  Do NOT use when the request requires professional medical advice or falls outside the scope of swimming coach.
license: Apache-2.0
metadata:
  author: foundry-skills
  version: "1.0.0"
  tags: "health-wellness fitness step-by-step"
  category: "health-wellness"
  subcategory: "fitness-exercise"
  depends: ""
  disclaimer: "not-medical-advice"
  difficulty: "intermediate"
---

# Swimming Coach

> **Disclaimer:** This skill provides general wellness and health information for educational purposes only. It does NOT constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. The information provided is not a substitute for professional medical judgment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health, starting a new fitness program, or changing your diet. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, contact emergency services immediately.

## When to Use

**Use this skill when:**
- User asks about swimming coach
- User needs guidance on swimming coach topics
- User wants a structured approach to swimming coach

**Do NOT use when:**
- Request requires professional consultation beyond educational guidance
- User needs emergency assistance

## Questions to Ask First

1. **What is your current swimming ability?** (Non-swimmer / Can float and basic strokes / Lap swimmer / Competitive swimmer)
2. **What is your primary goal?** (Learn to swim / Fitness / Triathlon training / Competitive swimming / Open water events)
3. **Where do you primarily swim?** (Pool 25-yard / Pool 50-meter / Lake / Ocean / River)
4. **How many days per week can you train?** (2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6)
5. **What is your current weekly yardage/distance?** (None / Under 2,000 / 2,000-5,000 / 5,000-10,000 / 10,000+)
6. **Which strokes can you perform comfortably?** (Freestyle / Backstroke / Breaststroke / Butterfly / All four)
7. **Do you have any injuries or physical limitations?** (Shoulder issues / Back problems / Knee issues / None)
8. **Do you have access to equipment?** (Kickboard / Pull buoy / Paddles / Fins / Snorkel / None)
9. **What is your approximate 100-yard/meter freestyle time?** (If known)
10. **Do you have any water anxiety or fear?**

---

## The Four Competitive Strokes

### Freestyle (Front Crawl)

```
BODY POSITION:
- Horizontal, face down, slight downhill angle
- Hips near surface (not sinking)
- Head neutral, looking at pool bottom
- Body rotates along the long axis (not flat)

ARM MECHANICS:
Entry: Hand enters pinky-side slightly, shoulder width, fingers together
Catch: Fingertips point down, high elbow position
Pull: S-pattern pull from catch through hip
Recovery: Elbow leads, relaxed hand exits at hip

KICK:
- Flutter kick from hips (not knees)
- 2-beat kick (distance) or 6-beat kick (speed)
- Ankles loose, toes pointed
- Kick should be compact (12-18 inches)

BREATHING:
- Turn head to side during arm recovery
- One goggle in water, one out
- Exhale underwater (nose and mouth) between breaths
- Bilateral breathing every 3 strokes recommended for balance
- Breathe every 2 strokes when doing hard sets

COMMON ERRORS:
- Head too high (causes hips to drop)
- Thumb-first entry (causes shoulder impingement)
- Crossing midline with hand entry
- Holding breath instead of exhaling underwater
- Kicking from knees instead of hips
```

### Backstroke

```
BODY POSITION:
- Supine (face up), horizontal
- Ears at water level
- Hips high, slight body rotation
- Eyes look straight up (not at feet)

ARM MECHANICS:
Entry: Pinky-first entry at 11 and 1 o'clock positions
Catch: Hand rotates palm outward, catches water at depth
Pull: Bent elbow pull along body, exit at hip
Recovery: Straight arm, thumb exits first, rotates to pinky entry

KICK:
- Flutter kick, same as freestyle but face-up
- Kick from hips, knees stay below surface
- Toes pointed, ankles flexible

BREATHING:
- Face is always above water
- Establish a regular breathing rhythm
- Exhale during one arm pull, inhale during the other

COMMON ERRORS:
- Sitting position (hips too low)
- Over-rotating (zig-zagging)
- Bending knees too much on kick
- Head lifting forward (breaks body line)
```

### Breaststroke

```
BODY POSITION:
- Streamlined glide between each stroke
- Body undulates slightly
- Face enters water during glide phase

ARM MECHANICS:
Pull: Hands press outward from streamline, then sweep inward
Recovery: Hands shoot forward together into streamline
Timing: Pull, breathe, kick, glide (simultaneous kick and arm recovery)

KICK:
- Whip kick (frog kick)
- Heels draw up toward glutes
- Feet turn outward (dorsiflexed)
- Snap feet together and backward
- Glide in streamlined position

BREATHING:
- Head lifts forward (not up) during arm pull
- Breathe every stroke
- Face returns to water during kick and glide

TIMING SEQUENCE:
1. Pull (arms sweep out and in)
2. Breathe (head rises during pull)
3. Kick (as arms shoot forward)
4. Glide (hold streamline 1-2 seconds)

COMMON ERRORS:
- Pulling too wide or too far back
- Scissor kick (asymmetric)
- No glide phase (rushing strokes)
- Lifting head too high (increases drag)
```

### Butterfly

```
BODY POSITION:
- Prone, chest-driven undulation
- Hips rise and fall in wave motion
- Both arms move simultaneously
- Both legs kick simultaneously

ARM MECHANICS:
Entry: Both hands enter shoulder-width, thumbs first
Catch: Hands press outward then pull in keyhole pattern
Pull: Both hands pull toward hips simultaneously
Recovery: Arms exit at hips, swing low over water surface

KICK:
- Dolphin kick from core and hips
- Two kicks per arm cycle
- First kick (small): during hand entry
- Second kick (large): during hand exit
- Legs stay together, movement from core

BREATHING:
- Lift chin forward (not up) during arm recovery
- Breathe every stroke (beginners) or every 2 strokes (advanced)
- Head returns to water before hands enter

COMMON ERRORS:
- Only one kick per stroke cycle
- Lifting head too high to breathe
- Arms entering too wide
- Bending knees excessively on kick
- Not using core for undulation
```

---

## Drill Progressions by Stroke

### Freestyle Drills

| Drill | Focus | Description |
|-------|-------|-------------|
| Catch-Up | Timing | One arm stays extended until other hand touches it |
| Fingertip Drag | Recovery | Drag fingertips along water surface during recovery |
| Fist Drill | Feel for water | Swim with closed fists to develop forearm catch |
| 6-3-6 | Rotation | 6 kicks on side, 3 strokes, 6 kicks on other side |
| Single Arm | Balance | Swim using one arm, other at side or extended |
| Tarzan | Head position | Swim with head up, eyes forward (exaggerates drag) |

### Backstroke Drills

| Drill | Focus | Description |
|-------|-------|-------------|
| Single Arm | Rotation | One arm backstroke, other arm at side |
| 6-3-6 | Body position | 6 kicks on side, 3 strokes, switch sides |
| Double Arm | Pull power | Both arms pull simultaneously |
| Spin Drill | Turnover | Fast, short strokes focusing on tempo |

### Breaststroke Drills

| Drill | Focus | Description |
|-------|-------|-------------|
| Kick with Board | Kick technique | Isolate and perfect the whip kick |
| Pull with Buoy | Arm technique | Isolate arm pull with pull buoy between legs |
| 2-Kick 1-Pull | Glide and timing | Two kicks per arm stroke, emphasize glide |
| Breaststroke Arms + Fly Kick | Timing | Develops undulation and body wave |

### Butterfly Drills

| Drill | Focus | Description |
|-------|-------|-------------|
| Body Dolphins | Undulation | Arms at sides, dolphin kick on surface |
| Single Arm Fly | Coordination | One arm butterfly, other arm extended |
| 3-3-3 | Building | 3 strokes right arm, 3 left arm, 3 full fly |
| Underwater Dolphins | Power | Streamlined dolphin kick off each wall |

---

## Training Zones for Swimming

| Zone | Name | Effort | Pace Relative to Best | Purpose |
|------|------|--------|----------------------|---------|
| 1 | Recovery | Very easy | +20-30 sec/100 | Active recovery |
| 2 | Endurance | Comfortable | +10-15 sec/100 | Aerobic base |
| 3 | Threshold | Moderate-hard | +5-8 sec/100 | Lactate threshold |
| 4 | VO2max | Hard | +2-4 sec/100 | Aerobic capacity |
| 5 | Sprint | All-out | Best pace or faster | Speed and power |

---

## Sample Training Programs

### Beginner Program (4 Weeks, 3 days/week)

```
GOAL: Swim 500 yards continuously by end of program

WEEK 1 (Total: 800-1,000 yards per session)
Warm-up: 4x25 easy swim/rest as needed (100)
Kick: 4x25 kick with board (100)
Main: 8x25 freestyle, rest 15-20 sec (200)
Cool-down: 4x25 easy backstroke or choice (100)

WEEK 2 (Total: 1,000-1,200 yards per session)
Warm-up: 4x50 swim (easy pace, rest 15 sec) (200)
Kick: 4x50 kick with board (200)
Main: 4x50 freestyle, rest 15 sec (200)
      4x25 build (easy to moderate) (100)
Cool-down: 100 easy choice

WEEK 3 (Total: 1,200-1,500 yards per session)
Warm-up: 200 easy swim
Kick: 4x50 kick, 10 sec rest (200)
Drill: 4x50 catch-up drill (200)
Main: 2x100 freestyle, 20 sec rest (200)
      4x50 freestyle, 15 sec rest (200)
Cool-down: 100 easy backstroke

WEEK 4 (Total: 1,500-1,800 yards per session)
Warm-up: 200 easy swim
Drill: 4x50 fingertip drag (200)
Main: 500 continuous freestyle (at own pace)
      4x50 moderate effort, 10 sec rest (200)
Cool-down: 200 easy choice
```

### Intermediate Program (8 Weeks, 4 days/week)

```
GOAL: Improve 100 freestyle time, build to 2,500+ yards per session

SAMPLE WEEK (Week 4):

DAY 1 - Endurance
Warm-up: 300 swim, 200 kick, 100 drill (600)
Main: 5x200 freestyle @ Zone 2 on 3:30 (1,000)
      4x100 IM order @ Zone 2 on 2:00 (400)
Cool-down: 200 easy (200)
Total: 2,200

DAY 2 - Speed
Warm-up: 400 swim mix (400)
Pre-set: 8x50 drill/swim by 25 (400)
Main: 10x50 freestyle @ Zone 4 on 1:00 (500)
      4x25 sprint @ Zone 5 on :45 (100)
Cool-down: 300 easy pull (300)
Total: 1,700

DAY 3 - Threshold
Warm-up: 300 swim, 200 pull (500)
Main: 3x300 freestyle @ Zone 3 on 5:00 (900)
      6x50 kick, moderate on 1:10 (300)
Cool-down: 200 easy (200)
Total: 1,900

DAY 4 - Mixed/Recovery
Warm-up: 400 easy choice (400)
Main: 8x100 alternating: 1 stroke, 1 free on 1:50 (800)
Kick: 6x50 choice kick on 1:10 (300)
Cool-down: 200 easy swim (200)
Total: 1,700
```

---

## Pool vs Open Water

### Key Differences

| Factor | Pool | Open Water |
|--------|------|-----------|
| Navigation | Lane lines, black line | Sighting required |
| Turns | Walls every 25/50 | No walls, continuous |
| Conditions | Controlled, calm | Waves, current, chop |
| Temperature | Regulated (78-82F) | Variable (50-85F) |
| Depth | Known, shallow end | Variable, often deep |
| Visibility | Clear | Limited to none |
| Safety | Lifeguards, edges | Self-reliance, buddy system |
| Drafting | Not a factor | Strategic advantage |

### Open Water Safety Essentials

```
NEVER SWIM ALONE (non-negotiable rule)

ESSENTIAL GEAR:
[ ] Bright swim cap (visibility for boats)
[ ] Swim buoy/safety float (tow behind you)
[ ] Goggles (tinted for sun, clear for overcast)
[ ] Wetsuit (water under 70F / 21C)
[ ] Anti-chafe lubricant (neck, arms)
[ ] Waterproof watch or GPS

SIGHTING TECHNIQUE:
1. Lift eyes just above waterline (alligator eyes)
2. Sight every 6-10 strokes
3. Pick a tall landmark (tree, building, buoy)
4. Incorporate into breathing pattern
5. Practice in the pool first

HAZARD AWARENESS:
- Check water temperature before entering
- Know the current and tide patterns
- Watch for boat traffic
- Identify entry and exit points
- Tell someone your planned route and return time
- Carry a whistle on your swim buoy
- Know signs of hypothermia (shivering, confusion, loss of coordination)

COLD WATER PROTOCOL:
Below 60F (15C): Wetsuit required, limit time
Below 55F (13C): Experienced swimmers only, buddy mandatory
Below 50F (10C): Extreme caution, very short durations only
Always warm up gradually after cold water swimming
```

---

## Swimming Equipment Guide

| Equipment | Purpose | When to Use |
|-----------|---------|------------|
| Kickboard | Isolate kick technique | Kick sets, warm-up |
| Pull buoy | Isolate arm pull, improve body position | Pull sets, technique focus |
| Hand paddles | Build strength, exaggerate catch | Main sets (intermediate+) |
| Fins (short) | Develop kick, body position, speed | Drills, kick sets |
| Fins (long) | Dolphin kick, underwater work | Butterfly and underwaters |
| Center snorkel | Focus on stroke without breathing | Drill work, technique |
| Tempo trainer | Pace control, stroke rate | All training levels |
| Swim buoy | Open water visibility and safety | Every open water swim |

---

## Common Swimming Injuries and Prevention

| Injury | Cause | Prevention |
|--------|-------|------------|
| Swimmer's shoulder | Overuse, poor technique | Strengthen rotator cuff, correct hand entry |
| Knee pain (breaststroke) | Whip kick strain | Proper kick technique, limit breaststroke volume |
| Lower back pain | Poor body position, excessive undulation | Core strengthening, streamline work |
| Neck strain | Head position errors | Neutral head position drills |
| Ear infections | Water exposure | Ear drops after swimming, dry ears thoroughly |

### Dryland Exercises for Swimmers

```
SHOULDER HEALTH (3x per week):
1. Band pull-aparts: 3x15
2. External rotation with band: 3x12 each arm
3. YTW raises (prone): 3x10 each position
4. Scapular push-ups: 3x15

CORE STABILITY (3-4x per week):
1. Plank: 3x45-60 sec
2. Side plank: 3x30 sec each side
3. Flutter kicks (on back): 3x30 sec
4. Superman hold: 3x20 sec
5. Dead bugs: 3x10 each side

POWER (2x per week):
1. Medicine ball slams: 3x10
2. Lat pulldowns: 3x12
3. Push-ups: 3x15
4. Band-resisted stroke simulation: 3x12 each arm
```

---

## Workout Terminology

```
COMMON ABBREVIATIONS:
IM = Individual Medley (fly, back, breast, free)
DPS = Distance Per Stroke (fewer strokes = more efficient)
Desc = Descending (each one faster)
Build = Start easy, finish fast within one swim
Neg Split = Second half faster than first
Pull = Swim with pull buoy (arms only)
Kick = Kick only (with or without board)
Drill = Technique-focused swimming
Choice = Swimmer picks the stroke
OD = Off the Dive (start from blocks/wall dive)
Send-off = Time between starts (e.g., "on the 1:30")

READING A SET:
"8x100 free on 1:45 desc 1-4, 5-8"
= 8 repetitions of 100 yards freestyle
  leaving every 1 minute 45 seconds
  descending (getting faster) in groups of 4
```

---

## Output Format

When generating a swim program, present it as:

```
SWIM TRAINING PLAN
Goal: [Description]
Level: [Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced]
Duration: [X] weeks
Frequency: [X] sessions/week

WEEK [N]
Day | Focus | Warm-Up | Main Set | Cool-Down | Total
----|-------|---------|----------|-----------|------
    |       |         |          |           |

Weekly Yardage: [X] yards/meters
Key Focus: [Technical or conditioning emphasis]

DRYLAND COMPLEMENT:
[Exercises to support swim training]

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
[List for the week]
```

## Example

**Input:** "Help me get started with swimming coach"

**Output:** A structured swimming coach plan tailored to the user's specific situation, following the process outlined above.

## Edge Cases

- **Incomplete information:** Ask clarifying questions before proceeding. Do not assume details the user has not provided.
- **Out of scope requests:** Redirect to appropriate professional resources when the request exceeds educational guidance.
- **Conflicting requirements:** Present trade-offs clearly and let the user decide priorities.
