Brent Arckey: Coaching Philosophy and Training for Swimming Success

Episode #312

Author

SWIM NERD
April 20, 2023

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Brent Arckey: Coaching Philosophy and Training for Swimming Success

Brent Arckey has been coaching with the Sarasota Sharks for nearly 20 years, and his skills and dedication have culminated into the recent success of Summer McIntosh, the newly minted World Record holder in the 400 Free and the 400 IM. In this interview, Brent shares his coaching philosophy and training approach that has led to his success.

Brent shares his background in swimming and how he ended up coaching - going from grocery store clerk to coaching some of the best swimmers in the world. He talks about working at the Gator Swim Club in Gainesville, where he started his coaching career and about his time at the University of Alabama, where he learned from some of the best coaches in the sport.

One of the key takeaways from the interview was the importance of kicking in training. Brent emphasized that kicking is an easy way to get in shape and that it helps swimmers develop speed and stamina. He explained that a big focus in his coaching approach involves incorporating high-volume kicking sets into his training sessions - 2K a day - just like Maglischo has been telling you. Brent's dedication to quality kicking has allowed him to develop some of the best kickers, and ultimately swimmers, in the sport. Including, Emma Weyant.

Brent also emphasized the importance of staying true to his coaching style, which involves staying under the radar and putting his athletes first. He believes that coaching is about being a concierge that helps athletes reach their goals. This focus on the athlete's journey has allowed Brent to create a supportive and nurturing training environment, which has resulted in his athletes' success.

Overall, this interview gives an insight into Brent Arckey's coaching philosophy and what has led to his success. He approaches coaching with a focus on the athlete's journey. Brent's dedication to his athletes has resulted in loads of swimming success which is a testament to his skills and experience in the sport.

Or, watch on YouTube today at 9AM EST:

Timestamps

00:00 - Welcome Brent Arckey!

01:02 - The Pressure of Notoriety and Background

08:45 - Staying True to Coaching Philosophy

16:00 - Approach Toward Kicking and Conditioning

22:51 - Stroke Drills and Stroke Philosophy

30:50 - What’s In The Sarasota Sharks’ Gear Bag?

37:23 - The Race of the Century

42:10 - Uncharted Territory: A Best Time = World Record

51:44 - Working With Vern Gambetta 

54:44 - The Philosophy of Training All Four Strokes

1:03:12 - Managing Work and Life

1:13:14 - Not Being Consumed By The Success of Your Athletes

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