Short Breaks

CSSC this year took some short breaks for the holidays. This was capped off by 4 days off from Sunday - Wednesday for the Christmas Break. After the break I did a long aerobic practice that didn't have much intensity. Had some feel for the water with a long kick set and some sculling. Followed by tonight's workout where went back to work. The swimmers looked great even with the break (well most of them at least).

I think some people get scared with short breaks. At the age-group level though, a short break so they can focus on holidays, celebrations, and family are good. They're still young, so they keep much of what they have developed over a short break.

Our senior swimmers are different. They tapered for their winter meet, and they had their breaks and their easier practices, and now the break is the time to develop the foundation again (which they might have missed in the early fall due to absences; lack of focus coming off of a two week break; or a newly developed sense of dedication after their winter championships).

We plan short breaks into our seasons. This year the Christmas Break I had in mind for awhile, even though we didn't finalize it with the Head Coach until November. I knew that I had a new game plan this year (in previous post), and I knew how the days off were going to land so that I could get good results with the designed breaks.

Breaks are good for young people. Going too long can be not good, but breaks coordinated by coaches are typically planned out and are good. We are a year round sport, so the kids, parents, and coaches all need a break from time to time. Know that they will come, and don't be scared that they are going to be detrimental to the athlete if they are designed by the coaching staff.