Beyond the Pool – Improving Swimming Performance with Dryland Training

by Lawrence W. Judge, CSCS,*D, NSCA-CPT, RSCC*E, FNSCA, and Aidan Biddle
NSCA Coach July 2025
Vol 12, Issue 1

Share:

This article outlines a research-driven framework for dryland training in swimming, emphasizing the integration of strength, mobility, and injury prevention.

Paywall block issue

This article is not configured properly for members or paid content.
isMemberOnly: {{isMemberOnly}} | isPaidContent: {{isPaidContent}}
spc: One or more parts of the product SPC is missing.

Read the full article

View the video

Login to view more


{{discountDesc}} Valid thru {{discountEnds}}

This {{ogType == 'video.other' ? 'video':'article'}} is available with a NSCA membership

This {{ogType == 'video.other' ? 'video':'article'}} can be purchased for {{prices}}
Price includes membership pricing and promotions

Purchase this {{ogType == 'video.other' ? 'video':'article'}}. Price range: {{prices}}
Price range includes membership pricing and promotions

Become a Member Add to Cart Login

This article originally appeared in NSCA Coach, a quarterly publication for NSCA Members that provides valuable takeaways for every level of strength and conditioning coach. You can find scientifically based articles specific to a wide variety of your athletes’ needs with Nutrition, Programming, and Youth columns. Read more articles from NSCA Coach »

Share:

References

  1. Behm, DG, and Anderson, K. The role of instability with resistance training. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 20(3): 716-722, 2006.
  2. Behm, DG, Drinkwater, EJ, Willardson, JM, and Cowley, PM. The use of instability to train the core musculature. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism 35(1): 91-108, 2010.
  3. Hibbs, AE, Thompson, KG, French, DN, Wrigley, A, and Spears, IR. Optimizing performance by improving core stability and core strength. Sports Medicine 38(12): 995-1008, 2008.
  4. Kibler, WB, and Press, JM. Core stability and lower back pain in athletes. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy 42(2): 58-62, 2012.
  5. Maglischo, EW. Swimming Fastest. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics; 2003.
  6. McMaster, WC, and Troup, JP. A survey of interfering shoulder pain in United States competitive swimmers. American Journal of Sports Medicine 21(1): 67-70, 1993.
  7. Morais, JE, Oliveira, JP, Sampaio, T, and Barbosa, TM. Wearables in swimming for real-time feedback: A systematic review. Sensors 22(5): 2078, 2022.
  8. Muniz-Pardos, B, Gomez-Bruton, A, Matute-Llorente, A, et al. Nonspecific resistance training and swimming performance: Strength or power? The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 36(4): 1162-1170, 2022.
  9. Sadowski, J, Mastalerz, A, and Gromisz, W. Transfer of dry-land resistance training modalities to swimming performance. Journal of Human Kinetics 74: 195-203, 2020.
  10. Salo, D, and Riewald, S. Complete Conditioning for Swimming. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics; 2011.
  11. Snarr RL, and Judge LW. Anatomical core training. In: Jones MT, ed. NSCA's Guide to Program Design (2nd ed.) Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics; 231-252, 2024.
  12. Tomy, R, Akhilesh, S, and Sivan, AG. Technological innovations and their application in the field of swimming. International Journal of Physiology, Nutrition, and Physical Education 4(2S): 812-815, 2019.
  13. Trappe, SW, and Pearson, DR. Effects of weight-assisted dry­land strength training on swimming performance. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 8(4): 209-213,1994.
  14. Wiewelhove, T, Doweling, A, Schneider, C, et al. A meta-analysis of the effects of foam rolling on performance and recovery. Frontiers in Psychology 10: 376, 2019.
  15. Yu Kwok, W, So, BCL, Tse, DHT, and Ng, SSM. A systematic review and meta-analysis: Biomechanical evaluation of the effectiveness of strength and conditioning training programs on front crawl swimming performance. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine 20(4): 564-585, 2021.

Learn about the benefits of NSCA Membership »

About the author

Lawrence Judge, PhD, CSCS, NSCA-CPT, RSCC*E, FNSCA

Ball State University

coachlarryudge
Contact Lawrence Judge

Contact Lawrence Judge

Your first name is required.
Your last name is required.
Your email is required.
Your message is required.
Your reCaptcha is required.

Your email was successfully sent to Lawrence Judge

Lawrence W. Judge is a distinguished coach, educator, and academic with a 37-year career in Division I athletics and coaching education. As a leading ...

View full biography

has been added to your shopping cart!

Continue Shopping Checkout Now

Dash

By using our chat you consent to your data collected by us and our chat provider, BettyBot.ai


Full Page Experience Privacy Policy