**Welcome to The Third 50!**

**EPISODE 6 - Equipment - Training Tools - Gear, Gimmicks and Gizmos!**

Swimming equipment can be a valuable addition to swimming and triathlon coaching programs for athletes of all ages and at all stages of swimming technique development. 

Think of them as the **"tools of technique"!**

However, as is the case with all "tools" - it's important for coaches, swimmers, triathletes and anyone who uses fins, paddles, snorkels, pull-buoys and kickboards in their programs to know WHEN / WHY /and HOW to use swimming equipment efficiently and effectively.

In Episode 6 of **The Third 50**, Wayne and Glenn - and **SPECIAL GUEST John Mix | Founder FINIS, Inc.** look at the use of swimming equipment and consider:

*   What is the best age to start using different types of swimming equipment?
*   Who should / should not be using swimming equipment?
*   How do you know which is the right swimming equipment to use?
*   How do you select the right swimming equipment for you?
*   How do coaches integrate swimming equipment use into their practices?
*   Is there a time NOT to be using swimming equipment?

**Three Takeaways:**

1.  Equipment is not a magical, quick fix to swimming technique improvement. Swimming equipment is a set of "tools" that can potentially contribute to the development of swimming technique and other important swimming skills and capabilities.
2.  Before using any swimming equipment, coaches, swimmers and triathletes need to clarify their reasons for WHY they are using the equipment. Start off with clarifying your own **"technical-model"** - and then introduce equipment which can help athletes progress towards optimal performance.
3.  It's no good coming up with a great solution to the wrong problem. Take time to understand how and why swimming equipment can be used before including it's use in your program.

**SPECIAL THANKS TO John Mix | Founder FINIS, Inc. https://www.finisswim.com/**

**Why The Third 50?**

Because it's the third 50 of a 200 that matters. (We could have called this The Third 100 because it's the same principle!)

The 1st 50 is fast because you're fresh and fired up, ready to race.

The 2nd 50 flows because you're trying to relax and keep it smooth.

The 4th 50 is about fighting and staying strong to the finish.

But the 3rd 50 is where the magic happens. It's where the integration of your mind and body, your skills and technique, your stroke mechanics and your hard training all come together.

The 3rd 50 is the "championship" lap, where the great swimmers take control of themselves and the race and power away to victory.

We want to share our almost 80 years of experience with coaches, swimming teachers, swimmers, triathletes, and people who love being in and around the water worldwide.

**Who Are Wayne and Glenn?**

**Wayne Goldsmith** is an Australian coach, mentor, writer, speaker, and presenter. He's worked in swimming for more than 30 years and is an internationally respected sports performance professional. He's been recognized for his contribution to the sport of swimming with the Outstanding Contribution to Swimming in Australia Award and been recently received the Al Schoenfield award from the International Swimming Hall of Fame.

**Visit Wayne's Website -** [**https://wgcoaching.com/**](https://wgcoaching.com/)

**Glenn Mills** is an American coach, writer, and video producer. He's been involved in swimming for over 55 years. He's competed at every level of the sport, from winning the US Olympic Trials and NCAA Championships and even setting a few Masters World Records. For over 25 years, he's produced swimming technique content as the Co-Founder of GoSwim.tv, the Official Technique Partner with USA Swimming. He has also won the Paragon Award from the International Swimming Hall of Fame for his contribution to competitive swimming.

**Visit Glenn's Website -** [**https://www.goswim.tv/**](https://www.goswim.tv/)


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EPISODE 6 - Equipment - Training Tools - Gear, Gimmicks and Gizmos!