NB: This course is self-paced and you can start and finish in your own time. You will have 12 months to complete the course on the SSISA platform after which access to the course will expire.
Date: Self-paced distance learning
Venue: Online (SSISA Education Hub)
Duration: approx 18 hours
Course fee is R 2,500
CPD points 18
Register Online
This course is for the recreational to elite swimmer, health professional, parent or student who wants to learn about swimming physiology, biomechanics and programming.
We begin in module 1 and 2 by teaching you the key training principles and an overview of the determinants of endurance swimming performance. In addition, we discuss what effects these physiological and biomechanical variables in order to provide insight into how training can be structured to best improve endurance performance.
In module 3 we look at how growth and development effects the performance of a swimmer. These varying maturation rates can be measured and their impact needs to be clearly understood.
In the 4th module we provide a framework on how to monitor swimmers to prevent injuries and overtraining. This includes a monitoring template for users to download
In module 5 we look at the importance of dry land training in injury prevention and performance. We include a video of the key swimming specific exercises one should use.
In module 6 we focus on teaching you how to effectively periodise training in order to allow for successful programme design. This includes a planning template.
In the 7th module we review how to assess swim performance, while providing screening and report examples and explanations
In Module 8 we cover sample swim and gym programmes. In addition, we provide a video which reviews key swim drills
Lastly in module 9, we look at how to avoid overtraining and burnout in age group swimmers.
Who should attend
- Intermediate/Elite/Masters swimmers who are looking for scientifically designed training programmes to optimise performance and decrease the risk of injury.
- Triathletes that want to improve their swimming performance.
- Swimming coaches who want to understand exercise physiology and training principles and methods behind programme design.
- Fitness professionals who want to do land training and rehababilitation with swimmers.
- Teachers and students who want to learn about exercise physiology and the training principles of swim coaching and monitoring.
- Advanced and elite athletes who want to understand the science behind their training.
Course modules
Module 1: Training principles
Module 2: Exercise physiology and biomechanics
Module 3: Growth and development
Module 4: Swimming injuries, training load and monitoring
Module 5: Dry Land training
Module 6: Programme design and periodisation
Module 7: Testing protocols
Module 8: Sample swim and gym programmes
Module 9: Overtraining and burnout
Specific learning outcomes
- Identify physiological factors pertaining to performance
- Apply principles of periodisation to swimming
- Incorporate strength training in swimming
- Outline biomechanics in swimming
- Advise on training drills for swimming
- Assess performance
- Design training programmes
- Monitor training loads
Each module will have multiple choice questions at the completion of the module i.e. 9 modules. Learners will have unlimited attempts to answer these questions.
A digital certificate of completion will be issued to participants on successful completion.