On The Top Coaching Podcast

Today we sat down with Abbie Fish, creator and head coach of swimlikeafish.org, where we discuss the nuances and teaching progressions of 3 variations of the backstroke to breaststroke transition turn during IM races. Watch the videos on youtube at https://bit.ly/OTTFISH Be sure to check out Abbie on her social media platforms listed below! SwimlikeAFish.org Facebook Instagram Twitter Read below to learn more about Abbie and her Swim Like A. Fish company! Abbie founded Swim Like A. Fish in 2019 after 25+ years of success in competitive swimming. From qualifying for the Olympic Trials to working at USA Swimming’s headquarters, and coaching at The Race Club, Abbie has been on all sides of the sport. She is a University of Georgia “Double Dawg” – where she swam and graduated with her M.S. and B.S. degrees. Abbie continues to further her knowledge on stroke mechanics by studying, researching, and staying on top of the newest trends on technique. Abbie has worked with clients as young as young as 5 and up to 90 years old. She believes that anyone with the heart to train CAN and WILL benefit from technical advice!

Listen in on Ritter Sports Performance CEO, Chris Ritter, as he discusses his view on dryland, strength, power, athleticism, neuroplasticity, biomechanics and much more!  Get a glimpse of Ritter's newest learning platform, the Surge Strength Academy, whose focus is to "Build Better Athletes to Generate Faster Swimmers."   SURGE Strength was founded with Chris Ritter's years of experience as both a swim coach and performance coach starting in 2004. This coaching blend has given him a unique perspective on both the wet and the dry side of training for swimmers.  Chris has earned numerous strength and conditioning certifications, including: CSCS, NASM-PES, USAW and NASM-CPT. He also has a degree in Physical Education and Kinesiology, with an emphasis in Exercise Science.  Chris’s passion for dryland drove him to craft and hone programs that launched swimmers to another level of performance. His background in strength training combined with his passion for both coaching and competing in the sport of swimming has generated a brand unlike any other in the world of swimming: SURGE Strength.  Through continuous improvement in both methodology and delivery, SURGE Strength has delivered dryland and strength training programs, via app, to over 1,000 athletes worldwide, logging over 20,000 workouts.  Click Here to enroll in the Surge Strength Dryland Certification Program: https://surgestrength.com/certification/

Listen in on Former USA Swimming Director of Club Performance, Mark Hesse, as he discusses Long Term Athlete Development at length. We discuss how to work hard AND have fun while fostering a growth mindset in swimmers that allows them to exceed as athletes and humans!  Mark breaks down the specific areas of development that young (10-14 yoa), intermediate (14-18 yoa), and Senior (18+ yoa) swimmers should focus attention in the water and on land.  Finally, Mark takes time to review film of the "greatest starter on Earth," Caeleb Dressel, and what specifics details in his start have given him his edge off of the blocks.

Listen in on Ritter Sports Performance CEO, Chris Ritter, as he discusses his view on dryland, strength, power, athleticism, neuroplasticity, biomechanics and much more! Get a glimpse of Ritter's newest learning platform, the Surge Strength Academy, whose focus is to "Build Better Athletes to Generate Faster Swimmers."  SURGE Strength was founded with Chris Ritter's years of experience as both a swim coach and performance coach starting in 2004. This coaching blend has given him a unique perspective on both the wet and the dry side of training for swimmers. Chris has earned numerous strength and conditioning certifications, including: CSCS, NASM-PES, USAW and NASM-CPT. He also has a degree in Physical Education and Kinesiology, with an emphasis in Exercise Science. Chris’s passion for dryland drove him to craft and hone programs that launched swimmers to another level of performance. His background in strength training combined with his passion for both coaching and competing in the sport of swimming has generated a brand unlike any other in the world of swimming: SURGE Strength. Through continuous improvement in both methodology and delivery, SURGE Strength has delivered dryland and strength training programs, via app, to over 1,000 athletes worldwide, logging over 20,000 workouts. Click Here to visit the Surge Strength Website: https://www.surge-strength.com/ Click Here for Swimswam's recent sneakpeak/highlight of Ritter's pullup series: https://swimswam.com/how-to-test-pull-ups-for-swimmers-even-if-they-cant-do-a-single-pull-up/

Listen in on Drury University Assistant Coach, Zach Mertens as he hurdles the obstacles that college teams around the country may face upon reopening & bringing student-athletes back! Zach discusses policies and procedures ranging from maximizing lane space, safely sharing equipment, travel policies to competitions, the potential increase in "gap year" and redshirt frequency, engaging apathetic/deflated swimmers, and what coaching strategies he'll be focusing on to maximize his time next year. Click here to listen on youtube  Click here to listen on apple podcast Click here to listen on spotify podcast

Listen in on City of Midland Aqauatics Head Coach Jenna Purkey and Assistant Head Coach Mike Anzano as they walk you through the details, obstacles, hurdles, and tribulations of hosting safe, social distanced swim meets! Click here for the detailed doc on COM's most recent meets: https://bit.ly/covidswimmeet Follow COM Aquatics on Facebook to view future covid meets! https://www.facebook.com/comaquaticsmidland

Choice, Autonomy, Mindfulness. How can your mindset affect your performance? How can you as a coach, empower your athletes to become free thinkers, mental warriors, embrace moments, play present, etc. Dr. Kirk Grand, former IU and Auburn University Sprint Coach discusses the tools, strategies, and themes to building high performing athletes. Video is available on youtube at bit.ly/ottkirkgrand

Jonty Skinner is a former world record holding swimmer, club & college coach, and a world renowned student of the sport. Jonty was nice enough to come onto the podcast to clear up some misconception about EXACTLY what makes an elite level flipturn, or as he calls it, a "tumble pop" You can find the full video session, including the videos that Jonty analyzes, by going to bit.ly/Ottjontyskinner