2009 Parent Info Packet & Calendar + Preseason Reminders

Hello Rapids Parents,

Last month, I sent the team (in a series of embarrassing, unattached e-mails) the parent packet for this coming season. The file is in word (.doc) format. If for some reason you did not recieve this e-mail, please let me know if you need me to send that to you (richardson.rapids@hotmail.com). Or swing by the Richardson YMCA and grab a hard copy from Nick Echtenkamp. Also, please plan summer vacations accordingly (meaning avoiding end-of-July vacations)!!!! Thanks for the committment! 

STROKE CLINIC UPDATE: If you are planning on doing this, please get signed up. Stroke Clinic will begin in LESS THAN A MONTH! Jessica will be leading this up at the Lake Highlands YMCA and I will be there help beginning mid-May. Let's get a jump start on the season!! Call Nick at the Richardson YMCA or Jessica at the Lake Highlands YMCA for more info. 

Finally, don't forget to attend the 2009 summer info meeting at the end of May. It will be a very exciting and important one this year! That's all I will say for now...hey, I gotta build the anticipation somehow. 

Best as you finish out the academic year,

Coach Ryan

Coughlin's Freestyle Kicking Tips | Active.com

Hello Team! Copy & paste this link into your URL to watch a quick clip about the importance of Freestyle kick >

http://www.active.com/swimming/Articles/Natalie_Coughlin_s_Freestyle_Kicking_Tips.htm?act=EMC-Eteamz&Vehicle=Swimming&Date=03_22_09&Edition=1&Sections=Articles&Creative=Natalie_Coughlin_s_Freestyle_Kicking_Tips&TextName=More&ArtText=Txt&Placement=1&Dy=Mon

Active.com > Swimming > Natalie Coughlin's Freestyle Kicking Tips

Natalie Coughlin's Freestyle Kicking Tips

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Presented by H2O Audio

Two-time Olympian and world record holder Natalie Coughlin presents her second swimming video tip presented by H2O Audio.

In her last video, Natalie presented three tips to become a more efficient freestyler. Here, she explains the secrets behind a stronger kick.

Natalie Answers Your Questions

Have a specific question for Natalie? Visit H2O Audio's Ask Natalie page to post your question on technique, training, nutrition or whatever you'd like to ask a gold medalist swimmer. Here are two responses from the last freestyle swimming tip.

Question: Do you use a sweeping motion on your pull? On your exhale do you use just your nose or nose and mouth?

Natalie: Try not to think of specific arm movement patterns while swimming. I've always found those to be confusing. Try to make the water feel as "thick" as possible, which means that you're holding water. If the water feels "thin," you're probably slipping. Exhale with both your nose and mouth while being as relaxed (not forceful!) as possible.

Question: How do I rotate my upper body and not my hips for the freestyle stroke?

Natalie: You want to rotate your upper body and your hips. When you're doing freestyle, everything rotates as a unit from the neck down. Also, remember that your body position in the water is much like good posture on land: Your head should be facing the bottom of the pool.