SwimMAC coach David Marsh’s methods are challenging traditions

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SwimMAC Carolina head coach David Marsh follows an unconventional training path that could help change the sport of swimming.

A half-century of tradition has had swimmers in the pool by 5 a.m. to swim hundreds of laps daily.

But Marsh doesn’t think it’s important to spend hours in the pool each day, amassing laps.

He’s among a coaching vanguard who believe athletes benefit by swimming fewer laps at a faster pace. Intensity matters.

The training method has produced results that have made Marsh one of the nation’s most highly regarded coaches. He had won 12 NCAA titles coaching at Auburn before taking over SwimMAC Carolina in 2007. Since then, the club has become one of the country’s premier programs.

Now, Marsh’s approach will be tested on an international stage at the 2016 Olympics when he’ll be judged by the success or failure of the high-profile Ryan Lochte.

“This,” acknowledges Marsh, “is the big experiment.”

See also “Ryan Lochte turns to Charlotte SwimMAC coach David Marsh for the 2016 Olympics” on the Charlotte Observer

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