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Beginner Swimming Improvement Training Plan

Experience Level

Beginner

Number of Weeks

16

Training Plan Introduction

This front crawl improvement plan is designed for swimmers who typically swim between 2:30 and 3:30 per 100m and want to enhance their front crawl technique and efficiency in the water.

The plan progresses through a series of key swimming techniques in a structured order to help you develop a strong, well-rounded stroke and improve your overall swimming performance.

This plan is also available for Intermediate and Advanced swimmers.

Key Features

Coaching Support Included

  • Every plan comes with access to my coaching support via email, so you can ask questions about your training plan, or get guidance for your event.

Structured Plan

  • 45 total sessions, with 3 swim sessions per week (2 on recovery weeks).
  • Each session is planned to last 1 hour, with the longest session being 2100m.
  • Follow every session live from your smartwatch.

Performance Focused

  • Test set included in week 1, repeated in the final week.
  • Measure improvements over the course of the plan.
  • Track your progress to see your growth and development.

Flexibility

  • The plan, designed for 3 sessions per week, allows you plenty of time for all the other important things in life.

Training Plan Guarantee

  • We will swap any training plan to another similar plan if you are finding it too easy or too hard. You need to leave your email when purchasing for this guarantee.

Structured Progression

This plan is designed to focus on technique improvement. Each week will target different aspects of your swimming technique, ensuring you develop a complete, well-rounded stroke. The key areas of focus include:

  • Head Position
  • Breathing
  • Feet Positioning
  • Kick
  • Arm Recovery
  • Arm Entry
  • Arm Extension
  • Arm Timing
  • Catch
  • Feel for Water
  • Pull
  • Rotation
  • Distance Per Stroke

Each week will build on the previous one, helping you master the technical aspects of your stroke and improve your feel for the water, efficiency, and speed.

You will need a kickboard and pull buoy.

Added Extra Benefits

  • Expert Support: Backed by 13 years of coaching experience.
  • Smartwatch Integration: Make the most of your training tech to follow every workout live.
  • Training Plan Information: Know exactly how to get the most out of the training plan.
    • Welcome document explaining setting up your training plan and terminology
    • Race day guides and a sensible warm up routine with videos.

Take the Dive

This plan isn’t just about swimming laps; it’s about improving your technique, building your endurance, and growing your confidence in the water. Every session is purposeful, helping you become more efficient and stronger with each swim.

Let’s make your swimming smoother and more enjoyable.
Start today and take the first step toward achieving your goals!

Training Plan Sample(s)

Training Plan Cost

Full Compatibility

This training plan is compatible with...

Your Coach

Chris Searle the head coach of efficient endurance

Hi, I’m Chris.

I’m a Level 3 qualified swimming coach with years of experience, having coached swimmers to British titles. My coaching approach is all about efficiency, ensuring every session makes the best use of your time. Whether you’re looking to refine your skills or compete at a high level, the plans I provide focus on improving your swimming as a whole.

FAQ's

These plans are tailored for athletes of all levels, from beginners to advanced, looking to maximize their performance. If you’re unsure of which level you are, get in touch!

The only thing you need is a trainingpeaks account and the usual swimming kit but to get the most out of your training plan, having the following would be ideal:

  • Compatible* smartwatch
  • Pull Buoy and Kickboard

 

*All common devices sync with trainingpeaks, check here to see if your device is compatible with the structured workout feature so you can follow your sessions on the go.

With years of experience coaching swimming, I understand that drills are very specific to the swimmer and can in many cases make technique worse. For this reason, plans focus on technique points rather than drills. The only ‘drill’ that you might come across in our training plans is sculling.

Training sessions are written in an optimal order for improvement, progression and recovery, but plans change and when they do you can move sessions across days and weeks with a premium training peaks account.

If you need to move things around but are not sure what is best, get in touch and I will help you out.

Sometimes, we have to miss a session, life gets in the way. Fortunately these plans are robust and consistency and efficiency will keep you progressing. Don’t fret over a missed session and don’t try and catch up either, you will still keep moving forwards.

You can adjust the schedule or swap sessions with a premium training peaks account; email support is available for advice if you’re unsure of what to do.

Every session includes detailed instructions and the rationale behind it. Feel free to email if further clarification is needed.

Improved endurance, better race-specific fitness, and confidence on race day. Results depend on how disciplined you are to the plan- it is designed to keep you motivated.

Our guarantee ensures that you are on the right training plan for you. If you find your plan is too much, too little, too hard or too easy, get in touch and we will swap you onto a more suitable plan.

We would love to issue refunds but do not have the option for this as payment is taken by trainingpeaks.

Absolutely! Email support is available for guidance and motivation.

We only provide support for the duration of your plan and 2 weeks afterwards. If you would like coaching after your plan, get in touch!

Why choose Efficient Endurance

Efficient Endurance Training Plan

  • Customised to Athlete Goals - Ability-based plans & email support
  • Expert Input - Designed by a qualified, experienced coach
  • Structured Progression - Detailed progression
  • Focus on Technique - Detailed swim technique sessions
  • Detailed Sessions - Clear explanation of how sessions support your goal
  • Training Volume - Balanced for your level
  • Race-Specific Prep* - Includes taper weeks & race guides*
  • Strength Training - Targeted strength sessions*
  • Cross Training** - Cross training sessions available**
  • Tech Integration - Compatible with smartwatches and bike computers
  • Support & Advice - Email support from a coach
  • Plan Guarantee - Free plan swap if needed
  • Cost - $3 per week

Free Training Plan

  • Customised to Athlete Goals - Generic & non-specific
  • Expert Input - No professional input
  • Structured Progression - Some progression
  • Focus on Technique - Often absent
  • Detailed Sessions - No explanations
  • Training Volume - Inconsistent and limited
  • Detailed Sessions - No race-specific advice
  • Race-Specific Prep - Not included
  • Strength Training - Not Included
  • Cross Training** - Not included
  • Tech Integration - No compatibility
  • Support & Advice - No support offered
  • Plan Guarantee - No other plans
  • Cost - Free

Other Premium Training Plans

  • Customised to Athlete Goals - Limited ability variations
  • Expert Input - Created by a qualified coach
  • Structured Progression - Include generic progression
  • Focus on Technique - Often absent
  • Detailed Sessions - No explanations
  • Training Volume - Suitable volume for athletes
  • Race-Specific Prep - Minimal race-day strategy
  • Strength Training - May have generic strength work
  • Cross Training** - Not included
  • Tech Integration - May have device compatibility
  • Support & Advice - Occasional support, sometimes outsourced
  • Plan Guarantee - Limited or no guarantee
  • Cost - Typically $3-8 per week

AI Training Plan

  • Customised to Athlete Goals - Algorithm-based, lacks nuance
  • Expert Input - Automated, no human touch
  • Structured Progression - Only if the algorithm says so
  • Focus on Technique - Often absent
  • Detailed Sessions - No explanations
  • Training Volume - Metrics can miscalculate workload
  • Race-Specific Prep - Lacks detailed guidance
  • Strength Training - Rarely included
  • Cross Training** - Sometimes compatible
  • Tech Integration - May have device compatibility
  • Support & Advice - No human support available
  • Plan Guarantee - No guarantees
  • Cost - $10+ per week

* For plans which target an event

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12 Week Advanced 5K Open Water Swim Training Plan

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