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PASA Head Coach Tony Batis on Kick Development, Drilling with Speed, and the Future of USA Swimming
"We do some for volume. We do some for intensity. We do hypoxic. I find that what ends up being the most successful for me is in any given week, and again, this is a gross generalization, but I say between 35 and 40 percent of my volume of the week is kicking of one form or another." - Tony Batis
SWIM NERD
October 14, 2024
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PASA Head Coach Tony Batis on Kick Development, Drilling with Speed, and the Future of USA Swimming
In episode #403, Brett sat down with a true club coaching legend in the swimming world, Tony Batis, head coach of Palo Alto Stanford Aquatics (PASA).
With decades of experience at the helm of one of the most successful swim programs in the U.S., Tony shared his insights on everything from kick development and speed work to his thoughts on the future of USA Swimming.
Tony has been involved in the sport for nearly 48 years—first as a swimmer, then as a coach. Today, his focus has expanded beyond the technical aspects of swimming to embrace the evolution of the sport and the importance of adapting to societal changes, especially in a post-pandemic world. His passion for coaching, learning, and sharing knowledge with peers is as strong as ever. In his own words, he's always striving to make the "wheel run smoother and faster" for athletes, while never attempting to reinvent it.
Kick Development as the Foundation
Tony views kicking as the engine that drives a swimmer's success. During the conversation, he highlighted how foundational kick development is in his training regime. Every Monday morning, his team starts the week with a challenging kick set - either with or without fins - designed to set the tone for the week. Tony emphasized the importance of training the legs, not just to build power, but to instill endurance and mental toughness.
One of his favorite kicking drills is folded arm back dolphin, a unique way to prep the body for underwater work. Tony likens this drill to revving up a race car - getting the core and legs warmed up and primed for speed. His philosophy? Kicking isn't just a skill; it's a tool for shaping both the physical and mental aspects of a swimmer.
Drilling with Speed
Another key takeaway from Tony's approach is the emphasis on drilling at race pace rather than slow, deliberate movements. He believes that in order for swimmers to master fast techniques, they need to practice fast, even in drills. Tony makes sure his athletes know how it feels to move quickly, creating neural pathways that will be crucial when performing under pressure.
Throughout the interview, Tony shared specific sets that he uses to challenge his swimmers. One of his favorites involves incorporating resistance, such as parachutes or drag socks, to add an extra layer of intensity. He emphasizes not just pushing through resistance, but also transitioning immediately to all-out, fast kicking to simulate the end-of-race sprint effort.
The Future of USA Swimming
Tony also discussed his role in shaping the future of USA Swimming. As someone deeply involved in both junior and senior levels of the sport, Tony's perspective is invaluable. He acknowledged the challenges the sport faces, especially with key leadership roles currently vacant at USA Swimming. But he remains optimistic, pointing out that the talent and determination present at the grassroots level are as strong as ever.
They touched on national pride and how the landscape of American swimming has changed over the years. Tony pointed out that, while the competitive spirit is still very much alive, modern swimmers are also more globally interconnected, which can blur the lines of fierce nationalism. He believes that with strong leadership, the USA can maintain its position as the dominant swimming power—it's just about honing that message and translating it to success in the pool.
The Bottom Line
The conversation with Tony Batis was a deep dive into the mind of a coach who has dedicated his life to the sport of swimming. His commitment to kick development, speed work, and his nuanced understanding of how to develop athletes - both mentally and physically - show why PASA has been so successful under his leadership. As the USA Swimming community continues to navigate changes and challenges, leaders like Tony are critical in ensuring that our athletes and programs continue to thrive.
Time Stamps:
00:00 Hello Tony 6:09 Loving the Process Long Term 9:01 Building Trust with Athletes 14:30 Weekly Schedule 23:00 Breaking Up Sets 27:25 IM Training 32:33 Kick Development 37:28 Testing Kick 40:56 Evolution of Recovery 49:58 Outlook on USA Swimming 56:07 US Nationalism in Swimming 1:12:02 Thanks Tony
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