Inner Thoughts of a Swim Coach

Blake here,  In today's episode we're diving into weight loss and swimming. No fluff, no gimmicks—just the truth about how weight loss actually works and why swimming can be a great tool (but not the magic solution). We’ll cover the health trifecta—exercise, nutrition, and sleep—why calorie deficits are king, and common obstacles like post-swim hunger that can throw you off track. I’ll also share my own weight loss journey—how I dropped 90 pounds and kept it off. If you’re looking to lose weight, whether you swim or not, my website StartSwimming.com is going to be live VERY SOON, I promise, and I’m ready to help! Also, big news—I’m taking a short break for a few months, but I’ll be back soon with more episodes! In the meantime, follow me on X and Instagram @blaketdavis64 New Episodes Every Monday! (well again in a few months lol)

In today's episode, Coach Blake talks about the core principle that drives swimming performance—maximizing your propulsive force while minimizing resistive drag. Inspired by Bill Sweetenham's timeless wisdom. New Episodes Every Monday!

In today's episode, Coach Blake breaks down two essential drills—Outsweep Drill and Front Scull Drill—that can help you improve your catch phase and build a stronger, more efficient pull. Learn how these drills work, why they matter, and how to avoid common mistakes (like pulling your hands too far back in breaststroke). New Episodes Every Monday!

In today’s episode, Coach Blake talks about why your swim technique can feel smooth one day and completely off the next. He breaks down what causes these shifts, how to identify the root of the problem, and practical tips to regain your rhythm faster. Whether it’s your breathing, stroke timing, or just an off day, Coach Blake has got you covered with insights to help you swim more consistently. New Episodes Every Monday!

In today's episode, Coach Blake shares three recent workouts that his Masters swimmers really enjoyed!  New Episodes Every Monday! Workout 1 10 Min WU 3 x 100 15SR 25 Front Skull 25 Swim 25 6KS 25 Swim 6 x 125 Cruise 15SR 75 Ascend 20SR 16 x 50 descend by group of 4 1-4) Kick            @1:15    5-8) Stroke        @1:00     9-12) Free         @1:00    13-16) Stroke    @1:00       200 Cool Down Workout 210 Min WU400 IM Drill 200 IM Kick 8 x 50 Carry Over IM Ex.   ~15SR 1) 25 Fly, 25 Bk 2) 25 Bk, 25 Br 3) 25 Br, 25 Fr 4) 25Fr, Fly 4 x 100 IM Descend 1-4 ~@1:45 4 x 125 Free @2:15 50 Build 25 Fast 50 Cruise  4 x 100 IM Descend 1-4 ~@1:45 200 Cool Down Workout 310 Min WU 3 x 25 front skull 25 3SG 50 free Stroke Count (by 25) 8 x 50 @1:00  1 Less Stroke per 25 by 2 Ex.  1. 13,  2. 13,  3. 12,  4. 12, 5. 11,  6. 11 7. 10,  8. 10 4 x broken 200 by 50 Descend 1-4 10SR in between 50 45SR after each 200 Special “Fun” Time 8 minutes of  30 on 30 off treading 200 Cool Down

In today's episode, Coach Blake dives into the pros and cons of incorporating the eggbeater kick into swim training. From building stabilizing muscles and breaking up monotony to focusing on race-specific skills, we explore when (and if) this water polo staple is worth your pool time.  New Episodes Every Monday!

In today's episode, Coach Blake dives into the top 4 breathing mistakes newer swimmers make and shares simple, actionable tips to correct them. Whether you’re looking to smooth out your technique or breathe easier during your swims, this episode has you covered.  New Episodes Every Monday!

In today's episode, Coach Blake dives into the power of pre-practice and pre-race routines, sharing personal habits and insights from years of swimming and coaching experience. From dynamic stretches to mindset preparation, learn how building consistent routines can set you up for success in and out of the pool. Plus, hear about some famous rituals, like Michael Phelps’ iconic pre-race moves, and why habits matter more than superstition. New Episodes Every Monday!

In today’s episode, Coach Blake dives into one of the most common mistakes newer swimmers make: skipping the glide in freestyle. Learn why maintaining a streamlined position is crucial for efficient swimming and how to perfect it with drills like Catch-Up, Hesitation, and Single-Arm Freestyle. Whether you’re a beginner or easing back into the pool, discover actionable tips to lengthen your stroke, improve body rotation, and master the art of swimming smoothly. New Episodes Every Monday!

In today's episode, Coach Blake shares tips for getting back into the pool after a break, whether it’s been a couple of weeks or several years. It's important to start slowly, prioritize technique, set realistic expectations, and avoid over-reliance on equipment. Plus, Coach Blake provides three simple workouts to ease you back into swimming. New Episodes Every Monday! Day 1: 200 SKIPS 6 x 50 Front Skull  3w pull buoy 3 w/o 400 as 75 Swim Cruise focusing on catch, 25 Mid Skull 12 x 50  @:15 seconds rest from 100 cruise speed pace.  200 Cool Down Day 2: 400 Free Swim, 300 Free Pull, 200 IM Drill, 100 Kick 150 - 25 Skull 125 Swim 125 - 25 Skull 100 Swim 100 - 25 Skull 75 Swim 75 - 25 Skull 50 Swim 50 - 25 Skull 25 Swim 8 x 100’s Free descend 1-4, 5-8 For 5-8 wear paddles and be faster per each 100 than the first 1-4 200 Cool Down Day 3: 4 x 150 1) Swim 2) Pull 3) Kick 4) Swim 4 x  1 x 100 Kick 2 x 75 (50 Drill / 25 Swim) 3 x 50 Swim Descend 1-3 2 x 25 Fast (~15 seconds minimum when determining interval) 200 Cool Down