Dave Durden: Running Toward the Fire, Building Efficiency and Finding Joy in Coaching
Dave Durden, the head coach of the University of California men’s and women’s swimming programs and a U.S. Olympic coach, has built his career on resilience, precision, and an unwavering commitment to learning. In a recent clinic, Durden pulled back the curtain on his philosophy: how he navigates tough times, how he builds training culture, and how he balances the human side of coaching with the technical details that define elite performance.
Learning Through Tough Times
When asked about the most difficult moments in his career, Durden didn’t talk about walking away. Instead, he described himself as a tinkerer—always looking for ways to adjust and improve.
“I typically tend to dwell on the things that didn’t go right versus the things that did. But I always look at that as a learning opportunity to shift, to change, to try something different. That’s what coaching is: not necessarily getting it right all the time, but taking notes when things don’t go right.”
This mindset has guided him through tough seasons and bad swims, reinforcing his belief that progress comes from refining, not retreating.
Ever Consider Leaving the Sport?
The COVID disruptions of 2021 came closest to testing Durden’s resolve. With pools closing and training opportunities scarce, he wondered if he could still fulfill his role as a coach.
“My fear was being the head coach of a diminished team. But I’ve always believed that when there’s chaos, when there’s fire, you run toward it—not away.”
That philosophy not only kept him in the sport but also became a rallying cry for his athletes: when conditions are uncertain, lean in, don’t back off.
Happiest Moments as a Coach
Durden has coached Olympic champions and world-record holders, yet his proudest memories are rooted in athlete growth.
He recalled swimmers who missed Olympic Trials finals but rebounded to score at the NCAA Championships, and one athlete who rose from the bottom of her team to representing the U.S. at the World University Games.
“Those are the happiest moments. Seeing progress, collaborating with staff, and watching athletes achieve more than they thought possible.”
Training With Intention
Durden’s coaching philosophy is rooted in intentionality. From the first day of training, Cal swimmers are taught that details matter—from how they enter and exit the pool, to the precision of their kickouts.
“It’s just using a little bit of time and a little bit of awkwardness to do it correctly. Then we’re able to have such a wonderful experience at the end of the year if we’re working on it every day.”
This culture of intentionality ensures that by championship season, details are second nature.
Efficiency Over Repetition
Durden has shifted Cal’s program away from “just doing six kicks because it’s on the sheet.” Instead, the focus is on purposeful efficiency.
- Kickouts are measured by outcomes, not arbitrary numbers.
- Short-course and long-course training are balanced by execution, not volume.
- Drills are paced with precision, simulating race demands.
“It’s not about making a number of kicks. It’s about balancing efficiency—short course to long course—and getting the most from the lines.”
Roster and Culture: Protecting Athletes
Durden also took a stand when asked to trim roster size for cost-saving measures. While other programs cut back, he fought to keep his team intact.
“It allows them to keep our culture alive. We’re going to have bad years. We’re going to have seasons where we don’t necessarily get what we want. But it’s my job to figure that out, to keep them engaged and getting better.”
He emphasized that roster decisions should never be made purely on performance. Culture, progression, and systems matter more than short-term results.
Seasonal Planning and Confidence
Durden’s program has evolved in how it approaches the training year. Eight years ago, Cal’s December phase was short rest into racing. Now, the team gets more individualized rest and structured warmups to provide athletes with confidence.
“It’s a safety net for them. They don’t have to think. They can grab a warm-up sheet, know what’s expected, and feel confident. Even the best in the world struggle with confidence, and that routine helps.”
By March taper, athletes are closely monitored with individualized rest, surveys, and performance tracking. The summer phase remains flexible—Durden admits each quad creates different rhythms—but adaptability is built into the system.
Video as a Feedback Tool
Durden highlighted video analysis as a primary coaching tool. Underwater footage is especially critical for evaluating streamlines, kickouts, and efficiency. Partnering with technology providers has made video a cornerstone of Cal’s daily feedback loop.
Recovery and Nutrition
Performance isn’t built in the water alone. Durden emphasized a wide range of recovery tools used within the program:
- Massage, acupuncture, chiropractic care
- Normatec compression systems
- Foam rollers and vibrating foam rollers
- Stretching and breathing techniques
- Yoga
- Sleep
By diversifying recovery, Cal athletes can stay consistent and resilient across long training cycles.
Structure and Meetings
Durden even formalizes his own weekly schedule to balance time, efficiency, and athlete support.
- Purple blocks: 15-minute, one-on-one meetings with athletes. They complete a pre-meeting sheet covering swimming, academics, and life.
- Orange blocks: Post-workout availability for conversations on deck.
- Personal time: Tuesday afternoons are reserved for Durden to reset.
“If I’m asking my athletes to be thoughtful with their time, I should be thoughtful with mine. They respect my time, and I respect theirs.”
Technical Spotlight: Backstroke Rotation
In a Q&A, Durden offered insights into teaching backstroke rotation.
- Slow drills: Single-arm backstroke with hand on thigh, elbow to ribcage to isolate hip-shoulder rotation.
- Race pace: Less hip rotation, more shoulder-driven movement with tight core.
- Event-specific: More hip rotation in longer events; minimized in sprints to preserve tempo.
- Tempo trainers: Used extensively to lock in stroke rhythm.
“The more hip rotation you have, the slower the tempo. As speed increases, we want more shoulder rotation and less hip rotation.”
Underwater Kicking System
Durden’s team also systematically trains and measures underwaters.
- Timed 100s and 200s underwater, measuring both wall time and underwater time.
- Resistance and assistive tools: power towers, drag socks, resistance chutes.
- Mobility and core drills to reinforce spinal alignment and breathing.
- “Taxi line” variations to help athletes feel speed and build confidence.
“It comes back to that word — confidence. We want them to see improvement every week, so they know they’re getting better.”
A Coaching Legacy
Durden’s philosophy blends resilience, efficiency, and intentionality. He runs toward chaos, embraces inefficiency as a teaching tool, and celebrates growth as much as medals. From the smallest detail in a warm-up to the biggest roster decisions, his system is built to give athletes confidence.
It’s a perspective that has defined Cal’s championship culture and continues to influence American swimming at the highest level.
