Intermediate 1

Intermediate 1

LTAD Stage: SwimSkills+ - Ages 11yrs+ (Building technique+)

This stage coincides with peak motor coordination; therefore there should be an emphasis on SKILL development. Training should also include the use of ‘own body weight’ exercises, medicine ball exercises, as well as developing suppleness. Although the focus is on training, competition should be used to test and refine skills. The recommended training to competition ratio should be 75% to 25%. If a young swimmer misses this stage of development then he/she will never reach their full potential. One of the main reasons why athletes plateau during the later stages of their career is because of an over emphasis on competition, instead of optimising training during this very important stage.

Coach Andy May