TriDot Pool School Review
Imagine standing on the edge of a pool, goggles in hand, about to dive into a weekend that promises not just to improve your swim times but to revolutionize your entire approach to swimming. That's the allure of TriDot Pool School, a program that boldly claims it can shave seconds—significant ones—off your 100-meter swim time in just two days. Sounds like a tall order, right? Let's dive deeper into this and see if it's the real deal or just a splash in the pan.
The Promise of TriDot Pool School
TriDot isn't new to the triathlon world. Known for its AI-driven training programs, it has a reputation backed by big names and big promises, especially with its recent partnership as Ironman's official coaching platform. The Pool School program, priced at $600, offers a concentrated burst of coaching aimed at all levels of swimmers, promising not just incremental but notable improvements in swim times.
The FASST Methodology: A Deep Dive
Upon arrival, the atmosphere is charged with a mix of anticipation and skepticism. Participants are asked to strip away preconceived notions about swimming and to ditch their beloved triathlon watches—a tough ask for data lovers. The focus is on the FASST technique—Fingers flat, Arm stretched straight, Shoulders and hips at 45 degrees, Spine aligned, Thumb on thigh. It's a method that emphasizes body position over brute force, aiming to streamline your movement through water, which, as Coach Usher reminds us, is "784 times denser than air."
The Poolside Experience
The real magic happens in the water. With a coach-to-student ratio that ensures personalized attention, every minor misalignment or inefficient movement is corrected on the spot. This hands-on approach is crucial because, as any seasoned swimmer knows, the devil is in the details. It's not just about understanding the technique; it's about feeling it, muscle memory, repeating it until it becomes second nature.
Results: Too Good to Be True?
By the end of the weekend, the improvements are undeniable. Participants, myself included, see reductions in their 100-meter times. Some drop by as much as 10 seconds, a significant margin by any standard. But beyond the numbers, it's the transformation in stroke efficiency and the reduction in overall exertion that speak volumes. The promise of less fatigue over long distances like those in an Ironman could be a game-changer.
Comparing the Competition
When stacked against other swim training programs like Swim Smooth and Total Immersion, TriDot's Pool School holds its own. Each program has its philosophy and approach, but TriDot's focus on intensive, personalized poolside coaching over a single weekend is unique. It's an appealing format for those looking to see quick results and for swimmers who thrive under direct guidance.
Is It Worth the Dive?
For $600, the program isn't just an investment in better swim times; it's an investment in a more efficient, more sustainable swimming technique. For triathletes at a plateau or beginners eager to start on the right stroke, the value is clear. The techniques learned are not just for show; they're practical, aimed at reducing physical strain and improving endurance.
However, the skeptic in me wonders about the long-term retention of these rapid-fire lessons. Can two days truly rewrite habits formed over years? The proof, as they say, will be in the swimming. But as I continue to integrate these techniques into my daily swims, the improvements are holding, and the ease in my strokes is something I can feel with every lap.
Final Thoughts
TriDot Pool School offers more than just swim coaching; it offers a new perspective on an old sport. Whether you're struggling to cut seconds off your race time or simply looking to swim smarter, not harder, this could be the weekend that changes everything. So, if you're ready to challenge what you think you know about swimming and to see just how far you can push your limits, why not take the plunge? The water's just fine.
What is TriDot Pool School?
TriDot Pool School is a 2-day training camp for triathletes that focuses on improving swim technique and performance. It includes both in-water instruction and a pre-instruction dryland stretching program. The program aims to enhance body position using the FASST methodology.
What is the FASST methodology?
FASST is an acronym used in TriDot Pool School that stands for Fingers flat, Arm stretched straight, Shoulder and hips at 45 degrees, Spine aligned, and Thumb on thigh. It is a technique taught to improve swim efficiency.
Does TriDot Pool School guarantee swim speed improvement?
While TriDot Pool School doesn't guarantee results, attendees have reported significant time improvements in their swimming speed. All participants in a recent session improved their benchmark times, with improvements ranging from 7 to 41 seconds per 100 meters.
How does TriDot Pool School compare to other swim coaching programs?
TriDot Pool School is similar to other swim coaching programs like Swim Smooth and Total Immersion, but it uniquely emphasizes the FASST methodology and requires in-person attendance for hands-on instruction. Its focus is on body position rather than stroke mechanics alone.
What other swim coaching options are available for triathletes?
Other swim coaching options for triathletes include Swim Smooth, Total Immersion, Effortless Swimming, and various coach development programs such as those offered by the World Swimming Coaches Association and the International Swim Coaches Association. Each offers different methodologies and focuses.
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Source: https://www.triathlete.com/culture/news/tridot-pool-school-review/
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