Michael Andrew (courtesy of Jae Feinberg)
Many coaches, swimmers and parents have heard about Ultra-Short Race-Pace Training (USRPT), the revolutionary training methodology used by 14 year old swimming phenom, Michael Andrew. Many think they know what the method is, and they’ve experimented with it, working it into their training cycle. High intensity speed work has always been essential to a swimmer’s success, but how far can you take it? There is a lot more to USRPT than most coaches and swimmers realize, and now you have the opportunity to learn this method, the science behind it and how to implement it, directly from the man who developed it, Brent S. Rushall, PhD., and from the swimmer and coach who have experienced so much success with it, Michael Andrew and his coach Peter Andrew.
WHERE & WHEN
DENTON, TEXAS
- December 14th & 15th, 2013 (Saturday & Sunday), at the University of North Texas, Denton, Texas Hosted by UNT Women’s Swimming and Diving Program
- To Register – Go to: http://coachsci.sdsu.edu/swim/index.htm.
LAWRENCE, KANSAS
- January 7th & 8th, 2014 (Tuesday & Wednesday) at the University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS hosted by Indie Swimming and KU Women’s Swimming and Diving Program.
- To Register – Go to: http://www.indieswimming.com/Home.jsp?team=cmisk
Sponsored by: UNT & KU Women’s Swimming and Diving programs & Indie Swimming
OVERVIEW
Brent S. Rushall, PhD, developer of Ultra-Short Race-Pace Training (USRPT)
Professor Rushall will present an in-depth description and provide implementation guidelines for ultra-short race-pace training (USRPT), the scientifically based method of training and developing competitive swimmers. This seminar is appropriate for swimming coaches, parents and swimmers who have a considerable amount of control over how they train.
The event is divided into two 8-hour days. The Saturday program will focus on the physiology and conditioning aspects of USRPT. Participants should become proficient in decision-making and creating training programs that provide the best condition stimulus for swimmers. The Sunday program describes the scientifically justified technique features that complete the USRPT experience. A pedagogical model for technique instruction will be the basis for the presentation order of topics.
It is necessary to cover both conditioning and technique because positive race-pace training effects are dependent upon the two factors to yield maximum benefits. USRPT is not solely a conditioning model. Conditioning provides the energy for competitive swimming but technique produces the gains in propelling efficiency. USRPT accommodates these two emphases for all competitive pool events.
Cost and Enrollment
The cost to participate in one two day seminar is $100 US dollars. Enrollment for the Denton, Texas seminar will be available through online registration at http://coachsci.sdsu.edu/swim/index.htm
Registration for the Lawrence, Kansas seminar is available through online registration at http://www.indieswimming.com/Home.jsp?team=cmisks
Positions will be granted on a first-come first-served basis. Denton, TX enrollees will be restricted to 30 with potential to increase the limit. The Lawrence, KS facility restricts number of participants to 130.
Lodging & Food Availability
Participants will be responsible for their own lodging and food requirements. Organizers will send information about accommodation and eating/food provision establishments in the area.
Notes
The lecture component of the seminar will be in PowerPoint format. Participants will receive a printed handout of the presentation so that notes can be recorded alongside appropriate PowerPoint slides in the workbook.
Cancellation Policy
You may substitute delegates at any time by providing reasonable advance notice. For any cancellations received in writing not less than thirty days (30) days prior to the conference, you will receive a 90% credit to be used at another USRPT conference which must occur within one year from the date of issuance of such credit. A 10% administration fee will be retained for all permitted cancellations. No credit will be issued for any cancellations occurring within thirty (30) days (inclusive) of the conference.
In the event that the organizer cancels an event for any reason, you will receive a credit for 100% of the fee paid. In the event that an event is postponed for any reason and the delegate is unable or unwilling to attend in on the rescheduled date, you will receive a credit for 100% of the fee paid. Except as specified above, no credits will be issued for cancellations. There are no refunds given under any circumstances.
FROM COACH PETER ANDREW
Peter Andrew, Head Coach Indie Swimming
My main focus is always technique first. Working through Dr. Rushall’s “The Technique Macrocycle” allows me to constantly correct bad habbits that form as Michael grows into his body. High propelling efficiency is my first priority. Psychology is my second priority (a happy swimmer is a fast swimmer), and last but not least ultra short race pace conditioning (USRPT) rounds off what works magic for Michael.
USRPT took all the confusion and uncertainty out of coaching for me.
USRPT enables me to prepare Michael specifically for each individual event he plans to compete in. We can accurately predict race outcome based on repetitive split times during practice.
USRPT allows Michael to expect personal best times throughout the season without the need for a taper.
I believe USRPT is changing the sport!
Michael Andrew, 32-NAG Records Broken (courtesy of Mike Lewis, olavistaphotography)
Indie Swimming
510 N 1700 Road
Lawrence, KS 66049
Coach Peter
785-764-8523
Event Coordinator
785-760-0601
www.indieswimming.com
UNT Swimming and Diving
http://www.meangreensports.com/sports/w-swim/ntex-w-swim-body.html
KU Swimming and Diving Program
http://www.kuathletics.com/index.aspx?path=wswim&tab=swimmingdiving
Hi looking for a workshop or seminar tutorial for a coach in 2015
Are there any USRPT seminars scheduled for 2014-2015?
I’m beginning to realize that my USSR (ultra slow swimming routine) may not cut it for these modern pampered athletes. I am interested in what this “race pace” is all about
Sounds familiar. In Sprinting: A Coach’s Challenge (By Dr. Sam Freas), shorter distances were used to train the college sprinters.
Concerned:
My experience with college training in a variety of sports is that “individuals” (one on one training between coach and athlete) is very common in other sports yet not common in swimming. Is that perhaps because it is underutilized in swimming? Surely you can appreciate this point.
I think the reason it isn’t prevalent in swimming is because of the lack of available pool space. Michael Andrew is able to do this because his parents built a pool on their property. For someone like a Dara Torres who has the kinds of resources to do this, it would be perfect.
Teams are already getting squeezed out of pool time for recreational swimming, aquarobics and learn to swim classes. Our sport is just starting to become available to larger groups of people who may have never had the opportunity of swimming as a competitive sport before, and that diversity is starting to show at the national elite level now. One-on-one coaching is expensive, and would be reserved for… Read more »
“This seminar is appropriate for swimming coaches, parents and swimmers who have a considerable amount of control over how they train”.
That about sums up why this is scary. Having read many of the papers presented on this topic by the good doctor, I have no doubt that in theory it will work wonders for short term individual success (maybe long, we don’t have enough data on how this works over an entire career if implemented at young age). But one of his biggest points is that no one will ever succeed or reach their potential without individually (truly individual, ie alone) tailored training. Isn’t being part of a team the best part of this great sport? Isn’t it… Read more »
“But one of his biggest points is that no one will ever succeed or reach their potential without individually (truly individual, ie alone) tailored training. Isn’t being part of a team the best part of this great sport?”
Why can’t clubs offer more individual training? Why is your assumption that this can only be done one-on-one in a backyard pool (or by taking lanes pace from a team?
To me, the idea that being on a team means everyone does the same practice day in and day out needs to go away. If your senior group has six lanes- you can break them up into 2-6 specialty groups.
You may have two guys who both race a 200IM very well,… Read more »
What’s the over/under on number of comments for this story?
Fad…