Swim England Competitive Swimming Hub
Returning to Training guidance published for coaches ahead of pools reopening
July 22, 2020Swim England has released Returning to Training guidance for coaches – to help ensure athletes ease themselves back into action.
With pools across the country due to reopen from Saturday 25 July, swimmers will be eager to get back into the water for the first time since 20 March.
Although not all clubs will have access to facilities immediately as some pools are delaying reopening, the guidance is available now to enable plans to be prepared so athletes don’t suffer injuries on their return.
The document includes coaching, physiology, psychology, strength and conditioning, nutrition and physiotherapy tips.
It also gives guidance on returning to exercise for any athletes who have suffered with Covid-19.
The document was developed by the Swim England Swimming Talent Sport Science and Sports Medicine Team.
Grant Robins, Swim England Head of Talent – Swimming, said the guidance was created to help coaches manage expectations of athletes.
Take their time
He said: “We know our clubs and athletes are keen to get back into the water at the first available opportunity but there are risks in rushing back into action.
“The Returning to Training guidance will help coaches put in necessary plans in place to help avoid athletes picking up unnecessary injuries.
“It’s important that club swimmers and those on our talent pathways take their time as they look to build up their fitness to competitive levels.
“The guidance is also useful for artistic swimmers and water polo players as swimming will play a key part of their training programmes once they are back in the water.
“However, we will be looking to add in more discipline-specific information in the near future where appropriate.
“The Swim England Talent Team would like to say a huge thank-you to everyone that has contributed to the guidance and hope that everyone takes it on board and enjoys a safe, injury-free return to the pools.”
The 31-page guidance can be downloaded by clicking here.
