FITNESS-RELATED EVENTS AND RESOURCES

COACH'S CHAT VIDEO SERIES INTRODUCTION - Coach Todd provides a general overview launching the IAM video series including drilling with purpose, your participation, and ways to make the most of your workouts.

  • IAM Coach's Chat - Month of April (Freestyle - April Drills Bring May Thrills): This month, Mel describes and demonstrates freestyle drills that are very important for fine tuning and improving your technique. Watch IAM members, Andrea Parenteau, Audrey Jones, and Tina Childress-Brown, demonstrate the correct execution of the following: The Rhythm Drill, Catch-up drill, and Early Vertical Forearm drill.
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Month of March (Turns: Back and IM transitions): This month, Coach Bruce is diving deep into turns, sharpening skills like stroke count awareness, form, approach, speed, streamline, and breakout. To demonstrate these techniques, watch IAM members Ben May and Jeff Halbert. For an extra edge, revisit Coach Todd’s November turn video and explore Gary Hall Sr.’s "crossover flip" technique—two resources for mastering fast, efficient turns! 
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Month of February (Fall more in LOVE with Back!) - This month, Coach Todd reviews the backstroke drills you will LOVE doing featuring Coach Bruce in the water! Two NEW DRILLS are introduced called the TITANIC and CATCH-UP that will work your core to the fullest. Check it out!
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Month of January (Flying into the New Year!): Happy New Year! This month, Coach Mel turns our focus to Butterfly! Swimmers will be working on a drill progression each week with an ultimate goal to swim butterfly with improved technique by month's end. Watch IAM swimmers, Brian Hartley and Dana Scruggs, demonstrate the drills. Bring your fins to workouts if you have them!
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Month of December (BREASTSTROKE): This month's focus is on the breaststroke. Coach Bruce discusses all the components we will be working on including head position, pull, timing, and kick. Take a look at several drills performed by a few of our IAM members demonstrating how to execute each drill including a land drill using the wall!
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Month of November (TURNS): Turn over a new leaf by becoming more efficient into and off the walls! Coach Todd brings us this month's focus: TURNS. Thorough demonstrations are provided from current IAM members on what to do and not do for the freestyle flip turn and the fly/breast open turns. Swimmers will have opportunities to refine their technique through drills such as the "underwater small ball" flip and the "elbow your brother and call your mother" turn.
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Week of October 6th (STREAMLINE):This week Coach Bruce discusses proper streamline of the wall. Understand the components to a great streamline by watching the demonstration video and listening to the explanation on how to properly execute the drills this week. Go further, faster, and conserve more energy through perfect streamlines!
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Week of September 23rd (Freestyle: Mindful Movement): This week features many favorite sets, some of which we have swum before and others which are soon to go viral ... see Monday! (Many thanks to Brian Baguette, Bob Dickson, Jeff Halbert, Bob Parenteau, Tim Polack, Mark Spratt, Rachel Young, and one unnamed N. Central am swimmer for your workout submissions!) Our drill focus for the week will be freestyle body position. Swimmers are to be mindful of how their body is moving through the water, making sure to move weight forward by keeping hips up, not lifting head to breathe (one goggle in/one goggle out), not pushing down on water to breathe. Great drills to assist with this focus are catch-up, rhythm, and one in/one goggle. Have fun and hope to see you at the pool! 
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Week of September 16th (Hip Hip Hooray!): Where are your hips when you swim freestyle and where should they be? Coach Bruce discusses the importance of high body position for effective and efficient freestyle and how to attain it. This week we focus on four components to help you get the best possible body position that will have you yelling "Hip Hip Hooray!" at the end of your swim! Also, check out these two supplemental videos discussing hips and body position: High Hips and Body Position - horizontal position to decrease resistance.
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Week of September 2nd (Rhythm and Underwater Recovery Drills): With inviting open water in the background, Coach Todd discusses this week's focus using the rhythm and underwater recovery drills. These drills help to improve your entry, catch, and the timing of your breathing. A shout out to those joining Coach Todd at the iconic Big Shoulders open water event this coming weekend!
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Week of August 26th (Summer Fun with IAM): Camaraderie is what makes IAM such a phenomenal group! Coach Bruce gives us a glimpse of our Summer Breakfast Bash that took place Saturday this weekend! Special thanks to our hosts John and Elizabeth for a wonderful party. Enjoy your last week in the outdoor pool at the Riviera Club!
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Week of August 19th (Rhythm): Check out this video on the proper way to do the Rhythm Drill.
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Week of August 12th (Backstroke - Core Fire with Correct Entry): This week we turn over from our stomach to our back; whereas last week we focused on freestyle, this week we target the backstroke. Concentrate on not crossing over on your entry by having hands enter at 10 and 2 ... or 11 and 1. The double arm back drill is a great way to feel these entry points. Also, work to generate power by engaging the core as you grab the water and pull through. Two drills to help encourage you here are the 6/3/6 drill along with the one arm drill, keeping your off arm across your rib to feel the core fire. As always, have fun, and hope to see you at the pool! 
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Week of August 5th (Footage from Lakeside Invitational Meet!): Coach Bruce is on location at the Lakeside Invitational Meet! See footage of our IAM competitors and enjoy the scenery at this iconic venue. Mark your calendars for next year to attend! And, enjoy the challenge set this week! 
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Week of July 29th (On location at the PanAm Aquatics Masters Champs): Coach Mel gives announcements from Trinidad and Tobago, site of the 2024 PanAm Aquatics Masters Championships!
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Week of July 22nd (Just Roll With It!): From Coach Todd - This week, we continue the theme of not being an "elbow dropper." We will address this issue by focusing on our breathing. In particular, our goal is to use the body roll to breathe as opposed to pushing down on the water. Also, we will shoot to keep one goggle in the water and one goggle out of the water during our breathing. Have fun, and hope to see you at the pool! 
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Week of July 15th (Top Reasons Your Arm Drops When Breathing): Are you an Arm Dropper? This week, Coach Bruce breaks down the primary reasons our arm drops in freestyle when breathing. Pay attention to the components outlined by Bruce, and then watch this supplemental video. No arm droppers this week!
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Week of July 8th (New Shark Fin Drill!): From Coach Mel- This week’s workouts are written by Coach Sam Udrasols, one of our coaches at our Center Grove HS location.  Sam brings a different focus and a new drill to our program for this week.  A little about Sam - With over 8 years of dedicated involvement in competitive swimming, Sam has had the privilege of learning from nearly a dozen head coaches. This experience has endowed him with a broad and diverse knowledge in the sport. Swimming to him a passion and a way of life he wholeheartedly embraces, recognizing its profound impact on athletes. His coaching philosophy centers on empowering swimmers to hone their skills and achieve personal milestones. Kai and Sam, our coaches at CGHS, have been doing a great job in growing the program in our Center Grove location.  If you have not been to this location, you should try it out, it is an outstanding venue! Check out the New Drill: https://icanswimfast.com/drill-library-shark-fin-drill
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Week of July 1st (Happy 4th of July Week!): This week features many "opportunities for greatness" with multiple descending sets, a favorite kick set from Matthew Carey, as well as another favorite set from Mark Spratt called The Rule of Four that is sure to provide plenty of fireworks at our solo Independence Day practice at the Rivi at 7am! Hope to see you there! 
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Week of June 17th (This is your opportunity for GREATNESS!): Some final encouraging words and advice from Coach Mel for Spring Nationals this week! It's time to rock 'n roll! Go TEAM IAM!!
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Week of June 10th (Back half speed, Relay starts, and Twitchin'): From Coach Todd - This week we continue with our meet warm-up we've been doing for the past couple of weeks. Even more, the workouts this week will give you an opportunity to work some speed, especially back half, finishing speed. Lastly, towards the end of the week, we will feature a spin drill set to really get your fast twitch muscles "twitching" along with opportunities for you to practice your starts, both individual and relay. Check out this video on relay starts. Have fun and hope to see you at the pool! 
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Week of June 3rd (Tune Up!): Coach Bruce encourages swimmers to immerse themselves in all the exciting things going on in the swimming community this month! Help IAM with a volunteer session or two during the USMS Spring Nationals or encourage family and friends to help as well! Also, don't miss the Olympic Trial activities such as Aqua Zone and seeing the Eiffel Tower replica downtown. It's an amazing time for Indy! Workouts this week will be about fine tuning including shorter distances with longer rest sets and practicing starts!
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Week of May 27th (It's time to PREPARE!): Spring Nationals are three and a half weeks away! Coach Mel describes how you can help IAM deliver an exceptional event. He also reminds us what's needed these last few weeks to prepare for competition. Consistency, focus, and speed!
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Week of May 20th (Swimmers ... start your engines!) This week's focus is 500 Challengers. Each day will feature one or more sets of 500’s that will offer challenge(s) to help you get into the proper mindset for the greatest spectacle in racing! Have fun and see you at the pool!
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Week of May 13th (Short, High Intensity Sets): Coach Bruce talks about our need for volunteers at the upcoming Nationals! Please consider giving us some support. He also discusses the importance of short, high intensity sets in order to improve speed and endurance. Swimmers often mistakenly believe that the shorter the rest interval on sets, the better. This week, get ready to swim fast and hard but with longer rest intervals!
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Week of May 6th (Go Long): Coach Mel recaps the team's performance at GRIN State and has some announcements regarding the upcoming USMS Spring Nationals. Every IAM member's participation is needed as a competitor or volunteer! This week we begin to get accustomed to long course meters.
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Week of April 29th (Get your KICK ON!): Coach Todd says, "This is the week to get your kick on! A close second to good walls and underwaters, developing a good kick, regardless of the stroke, is the fuel that is going to propel this team to a national championship! Every day this week offers a chance to kick it – a bit more than the norm. You will be sore ... let's go!"
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Week of April 22nd (Back to Back): Coach Bruce is shifting the focus to backstroke this week. But, first many thanks to all the swimmers and volunteers for participating in the GRIN STATE MEET! TEAM IAM was on fire! Coach Bruce discusses common technique problems and the drill to help correct it in the backstroke. Check out this supplemental video on the backstroke fingertip drill. 
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Week of April 15th (It's GO TIME!): Coach Mel is geared up for the week! It's all about GRIN State Meet preparations. We will be fine tuning our technique and speed, practicing starts, and resting for the big weekend! If you are not competing, we could really use your help as a volunteer. Come cheer on your teammates! Go TEAM IAM!
  • IAM Coach's Chat - week of April 8th (Fast with Fins and Relay Starts): This week Coach Todd gives us multiple opportunities to swim fast with fins! Swimming with fins gives your body a chance to feel faster speeds in your workouts. This will prepare your body by simulating speeds reached in competition. The increased speed is a great mental boost too! We have over 100 relays compiled for GRIN State meet. Check out this video for a refresher on relay starts and practice this week when given the opportunity!
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Week of April 1st (No joke - Be ready to swim FAST!): How fast can you go? Coach Bruce has prepared a few special opportunities this week in preparation for our GRIN State and Spring Nationals meets coming up! Have fun starting out this month with some timed swims and sprints throughout the week. Burn off the Easter sweets and goodies with a surprise swim on Monday!
  • IAM Coach's Chat - week of March 25th (TEAM IAM 2024: ALL hands on deck!): Coach Mel provides a brief overview from the IAM Membership meeting this past Saturday. Our focus for the next several months is TEAM and we need YOU! Whether you compete and/or volunteer, your participation is needed for our GRIN State meet in April and USMS Spring Nationals in June. This week our workouts will include time trials for the 50 fly, back, breast, and free. Coaches will be recording times! Do your best!
  • From Coach Todd: State meet is full! Please consider volunteering if you are not competing! This week's focus is on starts (Monday, Wednesday, Friday). Check out this video on starts. This week offers what I believe to be a great mix of quality and quantity along with good stroke work mixed throughout ... be sure to bring your "A game" on Wednesday and Saturday! 
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Week of March 11th (Drill. Test. Rest. Repeat.): Check out the fly champs on location from the 5:45 am CSA swimmers! Coach Bruce discusses what changes to expect in the workouts for the coming weeks! Preparation and participation in GRIN State and USMS Nationals is the focus whether you compete or volunteer! Drill with purpose and practice starts. Test yourself this week in the water and do your best! Go Team IAM!
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Week of March 4th (Announcements for Team IAM): What is Mel up to? Listen to his announcements and updates for the upcoming months. This week swimmers have an opportunity to work on all strokes! What fun!
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Week of February 26th (Freestyle Flippin' Fun): Coach Todd has us doing flips over this week's focus! Learn tips and tricks to excellent freestyle flips. View the drills to expect featuring IAM members, Brian Hartley and Annah Van Gheem. Learn incorrect and correct techniques watching IAM member, Cam Gill. By the end of the week, you will be flippin' fantastic!
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Week of February 19th (The "Coolest" Stroke): Coach Bruce continues our work on the "coolest" stroke - Butterfly! Drills this week will work specifically on the palms up plus send it forward technique. View this supplemental video on palms up plus send it forward drill work to help you improved your butterfly.
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Week of February 12th (Butterfly Love): Coach Mel expresses his "love" during this week of Valentine's Day celebrations! It's the gift that keeps on giving - Butterfly! Swimmers will view drill demonstrations from IAM members Chip Rigsbee and Meg Carlson including fly kick undulation, stone skipper, three fly/three free, and right arm/left arm. Bring your fins if you have them! By the end of this week, all swimmers will be flying!
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Week of February 5th (BACKSTROKE): Coach Todd is focusing on backstroke this week featuring enthusiastic IAM member, Mike McCulloch. While performing the drills, ask yourself: "Where's my shoulder position? Where is my pinky finger upon entry? Am I grabbing the water with my forearm? Is my head remaining still?" Also, enjoy some Fast 50's throughout the week!
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Week of January 29th (Breaststroke: Timing and Body Position): Enjoy a break from freestyle with our attention turned toward breaststroke! This week features IAM member and breaststroke powerhouse, Brian Powers, along with Coach Bruce. Brian discusses the components to a smooth and strong breaststroke: timing and body position. Listen and watch the best drill that helps you improve both components and you will be feeling stronger and more efficient!
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Week of January 22nd (Drilling the Freestyle Drills): Coach Mel is giving us plenty of options this week to drill through all the drills toward freestyle perfection. Take a look at all of the demonstrations showing the proper way to perform each. Don’t just Drill. Drill with purpose and precision!
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Week of January 15th (Freestyle Core Connection): Coach Todd discusses the important ingredient needed in addition to a good entry and arm/shoulder strength. It's core connection! How well do you link your entry with your core? Drills to practice this connection are the one arm rhythm, long dog paddle, and the two under/two over. Watch demonstrations featuring IAM member, Mike McCulloch, as Todd breaks down the mechanics. Take time this week to practice your core connection and you will be smiling at the wall just like Mike is smiling at the end of this video!
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Week of January 8th (Freestyle: Full, Extended Reach): 
    Coach Bruce discusses the importance of everyone's participation in our 2024 events as well as a "fun" pentathlon meet with free food afterwards on January 21st! This week we work on obtaining full extension in freestyle for maximum speed, power, and efficiency. Review two demonstration videos on the drills to practice full extension.
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Week of January 1st (Announcements and Rhythm): Happy New Year! Coach Mel has several announcements and reminders for the coming year. This week we focus on rhythm and pace work. A demonstration is provided for the featured drill. Be ready for a test set too!
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Week of December 25th (Body Balance Part 3): Coach Todd extends our focus on body balance in freestyle with an emphasis on being relaxed, pressing chest down, and lifting hips up. This week, the drills include a fingertip drag variation, paddle spearfish, and stroke/pause/catchup to help swimmers experience the optimal body balance. Todd highlights what's coming Saturday and New Year's Day! You don't want to miss it!
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Week of December 18th (Adding purpose to your warm-up and cool down): Join Coach Bruce in this festive video with a special Holiday message to all! This week, swimmers will be making the most of their warm-up and cool-down with an added purpose - practicing your underwater streamlines. Furthermore, the gift of "choice" is being granted during workouts where swimmers get to choose their own drills. What's your favorite drill?
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Week of December 11th (Body Balance Drill and USRPT): This week Coach Mel delivers a special holiday message and continues our focus on body balance with a variation of the 6/3/6 and catch-up drills. Watch Coach Jeff B. demonstrate! Plus, swimmers don't want to miss USRPT (Ultra Short Race Pace Training) on Friday!
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Week of December 4th (Body Balance): Coach Todd describes the benefits of having great body balance in the water to improve speed and maximize efficiency. Swimmers will continue to work on the underwater off the wall, focus on body balance drills, and enjoy some challenging workouts this week!
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Week of November 27th (The PERFECT Flip Turn): You know that glorious feeling when you hit the flip turn perfectly on the wall and almost effortlessly accelerate off the wall in a streamline with high acceleration? This week, Coach Bruce brings our attention to fast and tight freestyle flip turns off the wall for maximum speed and efficiency! Take a look at the demonstration featuring IAM member, Rosalie Fidanze, showcasing the perfect flips. Also, enjoy the supplemental video with Olympians and commentary from Rowdy Gaines breaking down the PERFECT Flip Turn! 
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Week of November 20th (Announcements): Happy Thanksgiving! Special Announcements from Coach Mel.
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Week of November 13th (Fall Classic Preparation): Coach Todd mixes it up this week with a little bit of dryland during the early part of the week. Swimmers will be testing their fitness with broken 100's and have an opportunity to practice starts near the end of the week. We continue our focus on turns, push offs, underwaters, and breakouts. Great preparation for those gearing up for the Fall Classic and those who wish to fine tune their technique for future competition!
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Week of November 6th (Turns!): Setting our sights on the 2024 USMS Spring Nationals, Coach Bruce discusses how swimmers can best prepare for competition. He makes an exciting announcement for our program we just learned this past week! This week swimmers will have the opportunity to work on turns getting in and out of the walls with efficiency and speed.
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Week of October 30th (Where is Mel?):  If you have been wondering where Coach Mel has been the past few weeks, take a look! Straight from the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, Coach Mel brings us a glimpse of the sights while making his announcements for the week. Think "TEAM!"
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Week of October 23rd (Preparation!): Coach Todd has a special message this week for an important upcoming event in 2024. It's time to begin preparations for the 2024 USMS Spring Nationals in June by competing or volunteering! This week swimmers will be working on the streamline stroke count drill as well as favorite sets from IAM members, Trey Harrison and Mark Spratt!
  • IAM Coach's Chat - Week of October 16th (Backstroke Turn): The winners and prizes are announced from Coach Bruce's contest a few we