There are several opportunities for training, certification and professional growth outlined in this month's issue of STREAMLINES for Coaches. Plus, an exciting new feature at Places to Swim on usms.org. 

Swimming for Life!
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The hardest part for many Masters swimmers is fitting a practice into their busy lives. Well, the hardest part for some Husky Masters swimmers comes when they make it to the pool at practice time, only to find the door locked.

The Husky Masters website warns that: "practice times are subject to change due to pool availability." That is often true for Masters teams that have to take what's left after other programs have first choice. But few teams have it as tough as Husky Masters, a workout group of Pacific Northwest Aquatics. Yet, the team is still growing thanks to passionate members and great leadership. "Members will stand out in the cold for an hour just to swim," says Jaki Braggin, 24, and a member of Pacific Northwest Aquatics and membership coordinator for Husky Masters. Read more... 

Warm Up

Be sure and do a thorough warm up of 400-700 yards.

This entire workout uses the Tempo Trainer in Mode 1.

4 x 25 Breaststroke Kick with Board

Tempo Trainer set between 1.75 to 1.85

Have the swimmers vary the setting on the TT as they do these 25s to find a pace that feels comfortable. You're looking for EASY kicking, not all out. Read more... 

SwimFest '11 will be held in Atlanta at the Steve Lundquist Aquatic Center. Join us for a weekend of interactive clinics and instruction in a friendly, non-competitive environment. For swimmers, whether you are looking to learn the basics, hone your skills or become a more efficient athlete, SwimFest is for you. All levels and abilities are welcome. For coaches, SwimFest is our interactive education platform. You receive classroom instruction from mentor Masters coaches and the opportunity to put into practice what you learn in supervised on-deck coaching sessions. Read what one of last years participants had to say here.   

Friday, May 20 is a coaches-only round table. Saturday, May 21 is focused on pool swimming and Sunday, May 22 is open water swimming at Lake Peachtree. New for SwimFest 2011-- get certified! We will be offering USMS/ASCA Masters Coach Certification Levels I and II. Register Today!  

The XIV FINA Masters World Championships will be held in Riccione, Italy June 3rd - 17th, 2012.

The USMS Coaches Committee has created a subcommittee dedicated to International Coaching.  Previously USMS has sent coaches to The World Championships to provide on deck coaching and guidance, and support for USMS swimmers in attendance. The swimmers in attendance will not swim for team USA; rather they will continue to support their own club. However, the coaches are there as USMS representatives and will work to help each and every swimmer that desires it. Coaches should strive to create a sense of unification and a team spirit. Details and application form (PDF | Word formats)

Answer: Yes. The breaststroke or whip kick may be used exclusively or interchangeably with the dolphin kick while doing the butterfly stroke at any time during the race. Only one breaststroke or whip kick is permitted per arm pull (101.3.3). A swimmer can switch to breaststroke or whip kick (frog kick) at any time during the race. A swimmer could even do one or more dolphin kicks and one breaststroke kick with each arm pull, but only one breaststroke kick is allowed per arm pull. A scissors kicking action is not permitted at any time.

For any questions about rules contact Kathy Casey, USMS Rules Chair.