Behind the Blocks: Training With Wisconsin Swimming
I’ve been fortunate to visit a lot of great swimming programs over the years, but stepping onto the deck with the Wisconsin Badgers for a morning training session hit a little differently.
For this episode of Behind the Blocks, I headed to Madison to jump in and see firsthand how one of the country's top collegiate programs handles their summer training blocks. There was a lot going on that morning, and the energy on deck immediately reminded me why collegiate swimming culture is so special.
If you’ve ever wondered how college teams bridge the gap during the summer months when rosters are split between national meets, futures, and training blocks, this session lays it all out.
Tuesday mornings with the middle-distance group are all about power. The squad split up into rotating stations, spending about 25 minutes each on the power racks and bucket resistance training
More Than Just Yardage
Beyond the sets and the hardware, what really stood out during my time in Madison was the culture.
Talking with the athletes and coaching staff gave me a front-row seat to what makes the Badgers tick. Coming back to Madison—a place where I've got deep personal roots—made this visit extra meaningful.
Seeing how the current generation of student-athletes buys into the team family and balances rigorous academic and athletic demands is always inspiring.
Whether you're an age-group swimmer dreaming of the NCAA level, a coach looking for fresh training ideas, or just someone who loves the sport, this session gives you a great look at what it takes.
Watch the Full Vlog
Want to see the full workout breakdown, hear what the athletes have to say about training in Madison, and catch all the action from the pool deck?
Check out the video above to watch the complete vlog!
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